Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Definition:
AIDS is an advanced stage of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, in which the immune system is severely weakened, making the affected individual vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain types of cancer.
Cause:
- Caused by HIV, a retrovirus that primarily targets and destroys white blood cells known as CD4+ T cells, which are essential for the immune response.
Transmission:
- Primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes with an HIV-infected person, and from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Stages of HIV Infection:
HIV infection progresses through several stages:
- Acute Infection: Early stage characterized by flu-like symptoms and often goes unnoticed.
- Chronic Infection: Long-term stage where HIV replicates silently in the body, gradually weakening the immune system.
- AIDS: Advanced stage characterized by severe immune deficiency and opportunistic infections.
Symptoms of AIDS:
- Recurrent and severe infections (e.g., pneumonia, tuberculosis)
- Weight loss and muscle wasting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Night sweats and unexplained fevers
- Persistent cough
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Neurological problems (e.g., memory loss, cognitive impairment)
- Skin lesions and rashes
- Cancer, particularly Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Diagnosis:
- Blood test that detects HIV antibodies or viral load.
Treatment:
- There is no cure for AIDS, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress HIV replication, boost the immune system, and improve the overall health and longevity of individuals living with HIV.
- ART consists of a combination of antiviral medications that target different stages of the virus's life cycle.
Prevention:
- Safe sex practices (e.g., using condoms)
- Avoiding shared needles or syringes
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at high risk of HIV infection
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after potential HIV exposure
Impact:
- AIDS is a global public health crisis, affecting millions of people worldwide.
- It has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities, leading to social stigma, economic hardship, and premature death.
- Significant progress has been made in the fight against AIDS, but prevention and treatment efforts continue to face challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings.