HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

HIV belongs to the [...] family and [...] genus.

Retrovirus, Lentivirus

Describe the genomic composition of the HIV virion.

2 copies of positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA)

List the 3 pre-formed viral enzymes contained inside the HIV capsid.

Reverse Transcriptase, Integrase, Protease

On the HIV envelope, glycoprotein [...] binds to host CD4 receptors, while transmembrane protein [...] mediates membrane fusion.

gp120, gp41

Name the primary chemokine co-receptor that HIV gp120 binds to on host cells along with CD4.

CCR5

Why does HIV Reverse Transcriptase introduce frequent mutations leading to rapid drug resistance?

It lacks proofreading mechanisms

Which viral enzyme is responsible for inserting the viral cDNA directly into host DNA to create a permanent provirus?

Integrase

What is the primary function of viral Protease during the HIV replication life cycle?

Cleaving non-functional structural polyproteins to mature the virus into an infectious particle

Unprotected sexual contact accounts for what percentage of total HIV transmission cases?

70-80%

Under WHO clinical staging, Stage 1 is characterized by being asymptomatic or presenting with [...].

Persistent Generalized Lymphadenopathy (PGL)

A patient presenting with unexplained severe weight loss, oral candidiasis (thrush), or pulmonary tuberculosis is classified as WHO Stage [...].

3

List 4 severe, opportunistic conditions or infections that define WHO Stage 4 (AIDS).

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), Kaposi Sarcoma, Cryptococcal meningitis, Toxoplasmosis

What is the correct diagnostic protocol for confirming HIV infection in adults?

Initial ELISA (Ab/Ag) screening followed by a confirmatory second test

Why must a direct PCR (NAAT) be used instead of an ELISA to diagnose HIV in infants under 18 months?

Maternal anti-HIV IgG antibodies cross the placenta and persist, causing false-positive ELISA results

In HIV monitoring, the [...] measures immune strength, while the [...] evaluates ART efficacy and treatment failure.

CD4 count, quantitative viral load

For emergency needle-stick or sexual assault exposure, PEP must be initiated within [...] hours and continued for a strict duration of [...] days.

72, 28

List the 3 specific drugs included in the standard first-line adult fixed-dose combination ART regimen.

Tenofovir (TDF), Lamivudine (3TC), Dolutegravir (DTG)

What are the 2 drugs combined in the standard oral medication tablet used for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)?

Tenofovir, Emtricitabine (TDF/FTC)

Daily oral Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis is initiated in HIV patients to protect against which 3 opportunistic infections?

PCP pneumonia, Toxoplasmosis, Isosporiasis

List the 3 chronological treatment phases required for managing Cryptococcal Meningitis in HIV patients.

Induction phase for 2 weeks, Consolidation phase for 2 months, Maintenance phase for 1 year

Name the 2 medications used during the 2-week induction phase for cryptococcal meningitis.

Amphotericin B, Flucytosine (or Fluconazole)

What severe organ toxicity must be heavily monitored when an HIV patient is receiving intravenous Amphotericin B?

Nephrotoxicity

Pathologically, how does HIV co-infection cause a high risk for miliary or disseminated tuberculosis?

Depletion of CD4+ cells causes a loss of granuloma integrity, allowing uncontrolled bacterial spread

Why is Mefloquine unreliable for malaria prophylaxis in HIV/TB patients on certain ARVs or Rifampicin?

Mefloquine drug levels are significantly reduced by ARVs and Rifampicin

Which agent should be selected as malaria prophylaxis for an HIV/TB patient traveling to an endemic area?

Doxycycline

What specific diagnostic feature is visible on light microscopy when examining an India Ink stain of CSF from an HIV patient with meningitis?

Encapsulated round yeast cells with a clear capsular halo against a dark background

A microscopy smear of oral thrush shows Gram-positive budding yeast cells with interconnected elongated chains called [...].

pseudohyphae

Name the vascular tumor presenting as red/purple patches or nodules in AIDS patients, and specify its causative virus.

Kaposi Sarcoma, HHV-8 (Human Herpesvirus 8)

Under Section 27 of the SA Constitution, what is the government's specific legal obligation regarding chronic HIV/TB care delivery?

Ensuring accessibility through progressive realization within available resources

What legal mechanism permits a South African clinic to mandate isolation for an infectious TB/HIV patient who refuses treatment?

Section 36 Limitation of Rights for the public good