Pandemic Viruses and Associated Diseases

The flashcards cover vocabulary and key concepts related to pandemic viruses, their transmission, HIV/AIDS, and the global health effects of viral pandemics.

RNA viruses

Viruses that utilize ribonucleic acid (RNA) as their genetic material and include pathogens such as Influenza, HIV, and COVID-19.

Zoonotic transmission

The process by which viruses originating in animals are transmitted to humans, often highlighting the relevance of animal reservoirs like pigs, primates, and bats.

Respiratory transmission

A method of spreading viruses through respiratory droplets, as seen with viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2.

HIV-1

A subtype of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, primarily responsible for AIDS and transmitted through bodily fluids.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

A syndrome caused by infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), leading to severe immune dysfunction.

Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)

A treatment regimen that uses multiple antiretroviral drugs to effectively suppress the HIV virus, leading to improved health outcomes.

Opportunistic infections

Infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as AIDS patients.

Berlin Patient

Timothy Ray Brown, known as the first person cured of AIDS, who underwent a bone marrow transplant that removed detectable HIV from his system.

CCR5-Δ32 allele

A genetic mutation that provides resistance to HIV infection by preventing the virus from entering host cells.

COVID-19

A disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, first identified in Wuhan, China, and recognized for its global pandemic spread.

Pandemic

An epidemic that has spread over multiple countries or continents, affecting a large number of people.

HIV-1 infection

Once a person becomes infected with HIV, eradication of the virus is completely impossible