HIV and AIDS: Virology, Laboratory Methods, and Philippine Laws

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the virology of HIV, laboratory testing requirements in the Philippines, and legal provisions of RA 11166.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus; an RNA Virus from the retroviridae family formerly known as HTLV, LAV, and ARV.

HIV-1

A more virulent and easily transmitted type of HIV that accounts for the majority of global infections.

HIV-2

A type of HIV that is less transmissible and largely confined to West Africa.

Kaposi’s Sarcoma

An opportunistic infection associated with HIV/AIDS.

Western Blot

The confirmatory test for HIV which is positive if at least $2$ bands are present among $p24$, $gp41$, and $gp120/160$.

SACCL

STD-AIDS Cooperative Center Laboratory; the only facility that can perform the confirmatory Western Blot under the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for HIV/AIDS.

RA 8504

The Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of $1998$, which was repealed by RA $11166$.

RA 11166

The Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, which strengthens policies on prevention, treatment, care, and support, and reconstitutes the PNAC.

Section 44 of RA 11166

Guarantees the confidentiality and privacy of individuals tested for, exposed to, or treated for HIV-related illnesses.

Section 45 Confidentiality Exceptions

Instances where information can be released without consent, including DOH reportorial requirements, informing involved health workers, or responding to court subpoenas.

Section 46 (Disclosure to Minors)

Provides that if a patient is below $15$ years old, an orphan, or mentally incapacitated, results may be disclosed to parents, legal guardians, or assigned social/health workers.

Section 47

Encourages HIV-positive individuals to disclose their status to spouses, sexual partners, or persons prior to engaging in penetrative sex.

Penalty for Negligent Infection

Imprisonment of $6$ to $12$ years for any person who knowingly or negligently causes another to be infected through unsafe professional practices.

General Breach of Confidentiality Penalty

Imprisonment of $6$ months to $2$ years and/or a fine of not less than $P50,000.00$ but not more than $P150,000.00$.

Mass Dissemination Penalty

Imprisonment of $2$ years and $1$ day to $5$ years and/or a fine of $P150,000.00$ to $P350,000.00$ for spreading HIV status online or to media.

Professional Breach of Confidentiality Penalty

Imprisonment of $5$ years and $1$ day to $7$ years and/or a fine of $P350,000.00$ to $P500,000.00$ for health professionals or data custodians.