HIV/AIDS

(Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

(Acquired immunodeficiency Syndrome)

By: Najma B. Abdul

 Overview of the Disease

• One of the most widely publicized diseases,

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is
caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
is marked by progressive failure of the immune
system. Although it’s characterized by gradual
destruction of cell-mediated(T-cell) immunity, it
also affects humoral immunity and autoimmunity
because of the central role of the CD4+ T
lymphocyte in immune reactions. The resultant
immunodeficiency makes the patient susceptible
to opportunistic infections, unusual cancers, and
other abnormalities that characterize AIDS.
 Causative Agent

• Retrovirus

Incubation period
Pathognomonic Sign
 Signs & Symptoms

• Fever
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• Fatigue
• Tiredness
 Mode of transmission
• Unprotected sexual transmission
-vaginal sex
-anal sex
-oral sex
• Blood & Blood Products
-blood transfusion
-using needles
-organ transplant
• Mother to child
-pregnancy
-childbirth
-breastfeeding
 Diagnostic Test

• CDC’s current AIDS surveillance case

definition requires laboratory
confirmation of HIV infection in people
who have an associated clinical condition
or disease.

• Antibody test indicate HIV infection

indirectly by revealing HIV antibodies.
 Treatment
• No cure has yet been found for the disorder;
however, primary therapy for HIV infections includes
three different types of antiretrovirals. Used in
various combinations, they’re designed to inhibit HIV
viral replication:
-Protease inhibitors (PI’s)
-Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI’s)
-Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

• Immunomodulatory agents strengthen the weakened

immune system.
• Anti-infectives and antineoplastics combat
opportunistic infections and associated cancers;
some are used prophylactically to help help
patients resist opportunistic infections.

• Zidovudine has proven effective in slowing the

progression of HIV infection, decreasing
opportunistic infections, and prolonging survival

• Supportive treatments help maintain

nutritional status and relieve pain and other
distressing physical and psychological
symptoms.
 Prevention

• Abstinence
• Be mutually faithful
• Condom use
• Don’t use illegal drugs
• Education (be aware of HiV/AIDS)
AIDS