2.10 HIV and AIDS

What does HIV stand for

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

What does it target

HIV is a pathogen that target CD4 cells (Helper T-cells)

What does it do

It cripples the immune system while also amplifying viral load

Why is HIV uncurable

Although the body creates antibodies, HIV hides in tissues such as brain and CD4 cells which allows them to stay protected and stay in body indefinitely

What happens as HIV stays in body untreated for too long

Over time, HIV overwhelms immune system by eradicating CD4 cells thus causing AIDS

What is AIDS

AIDS= Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

AIDS is when your immune system is so weak it cant fend off any pathogen at all

AKA AIDS patients lack a functional Immune system

When is AIDS diagnosed

• AIDS is diagnosed when your body can no longer fend off commonly avoided infections

and/or

• when a patient has a blood CD4 cell count of less than 200 per microliter of blood

What is the outcome of AIDS

If AIDS is not treated medically, death is a likely outcome

How is HIV transmitted

HIV is transmitted via blood, sexual fluid and breast milk

What is the treatment and how does it work

HIV patients can receive (ART) drugs that impede on its replication and allow the immune system to keep pace and maintain a functional CD4 count