AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a chronic disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. The virus attacks the immune system, leaving an individual vulnerable to infections and diseases.The late stages of HIV infection are known as AIDS because of the body's inability to fight off even basic infections like pneumonia. While not curable, there are drugs that can help manage the disease.
Significance
The AIDS charity Alert estimates that approximately 33.4 million people live with HIV and AIDS worldwide; each year, nearly 2 million individuals die from AIDS-related illnesses. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, estimates that 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV or AIDS. Approximately 56,300 people in the United States are infected with HIV yearly, states the CDC.
Function
CD4 lymphocytes are white blood cells that help protect the body from infections and viruses, according to the Mayo Clinic. These cells coordinate immune responses with other white blood cells and antibodies, but when a person is infected with HIV, the HIV virus attacks these CD4 cells. The virus invades these cells and replicates its DNA; after leaving the cells, the virus proceeds to attack other CD4 cells, while the newly infected cells die, along with other cells. This leads to immunodeficiency, which means the body cannot protect itself from viruses, infections and diseases.
Transmission
HIV is spread through bodily fluids like blood, semen and vaginal secretions. Since the virus dies shortly after being exposed to air, the most common modes of transmission are instances when a bodily fluid goes directly into your body, according to Avert. This includes having unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles with an infected person, or transmitting the virus during childbirth or breast-feeding. Blood used in blood transfusions is very closely monitored for infected blood; acquiring HIV from a transfusion is rare.
Testing
To obtain a definitive diagnosis of HIV, tests are run on blood or oral mucus to check for antibodies to the virus, according to the Mayo Clinic. The first tests developed were the ELISA and Western blot tests. Once antibodies were detected with an ELISA, the test was run again, and if antibodies were seen again, the Western blot test was run to check for HIV proteins. Results from these tests took several weeks to receive. Newer tests include rapid result testing that can provide results in approximately 20 minutes; if there is a positive result, a confirming ELISA/Western blot is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Antibodies do not appear immediately after infection; if you think you may be infected, after the initial test following exposure, it is suggested that repeat testing be performed.
Treatment
HIV and AIDS are treated with medications called anti-retroviral drugs, which are known as ARVs. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases states there are 31 ARVs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for HIV. These medications do not cure the disease; they work by suppressing the virus and slowing down the growth of HIV, reports the Mayo Clinic. When taken correctly, these medications can prolong survival and enable infected individuals to be healthier. The virus can still be transmitted while taking ARVs, so precautions still need to be taken.
