Human Imunnodeficiency Virus

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HIV Notes

HIV particles (grey) covering a white blood cell.

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HIV History

HIV is thought to have entered into humans somewhere between 1914 and 1940.

In 1983, a retrovirus, now called human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), had been identified as the cause of AIDS.

The HIV antibody test has be used to screen all blood supplies in the U.S. since 1985.

People receiving blood or blood products before 1985 may have been infected.

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Slide 4

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

The immune crippling disease caused by the HIV virus in which the body becomes unable to protect itself against any secondary infections.

HIV-Human Immunodeficiency Virus

HIV infects the immune system cell called the Helper T cells (-most important white blood cell involved in identifying infections.)

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Body Fluids with High Concentrations of HIV

Blood

Semen/Vaginal fluids (as high as blood)

Breast milk

Pus from sores

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Low concentrations of HIV

It is highly unlikely you will be infected if you come into contact with:

Sweat

Tears

Urine

Saliva (-highly possible if blood from mouth sores is present)

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How is HIV Spread?

ANY type of sexual activity (highest risk)

Sharing used drug needles

Pregnancy-from mother to child

Sharing razors- if blood is present

Kissing- if even the smallest amount of blood is present. (-membranes of mouth are thin enough for HIV to enter straight into the body.)

Tattoos/body piercing if equipment is not clean.

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How is HIV not spread?

Shaking hands

Hugging

Swimming pools

Toilet seats

Insect bites

Donating blood

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Can HIV be cured?

NO! Drugs are available to manage the disease, but HIV stays in the body forever!

PROBLEM: RNA viruses mutate at a very high rate. A person with HIV under control can evolve resistance to the drug treatments.

Some infected persons have several strains of HIV in their bodies.

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What does HIV look like?