Altered Immunity: HIV/AIDS and Complications

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to HIV/AIDS and altered immunity, facilitating exam preparation.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a retrovirus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 T lymphocytes.

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the final and fatal stage of HIV infection characterized by a severely compromised immune system.

Retrovirus

A type of virus that carries its genetic information on RNA and replicates through reverse transcription.

Opportunistic Infection

Infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems.

HAART

Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, a combination of three or more antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV.

CD4 Count

A measure of CD4 T lymphocytes in the blood; used to monitor the immune system and the progression of HIV infection.

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP)

A common opportunistic infection in AIDS patients, often occurring when CD4 counts drop below 200.

Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS)

The most common cancer associated with AIDS, presenting as blue or purple lesions on the skin or inside organs.

Candidiasis

An opportunistic fungal infection that can affect the mouth and throat (oral thrush) or the vaginal area in patients with HIV/AIDS.

Reverse Transcriptase

An enzyme that converts RNA into DNA; crucial for the replication of retroviruses like HIV.