AIDS (HIV)

AIDS (HIV)

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition affecting the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This disease compromises the immune system, making individuals with AIDS highly susceptible to infections, including opportunistic infections and tumors that typically do not affect those with healthy immune systems. As the disease progresses, this susceptibility worsens.

HIV can be transmitted through various means, such as sexual intercourse (anal, vaginal, or oral), blood transfusion, contaminated needles, transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Transmission occurs through contact with infected bodily fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, or breast milk.

The terms HIV/AIDS are often used together. AIDS is a significant global health issue and is classified as a pandemic, spreading actively across various regions.

Symptoms of AIDS primarily stem from conditions that typically do not develop in individuals with healthy immune systems. Opportunistic infections, affecting nearly all organ systems, are common. People with AIDS also face an elevated risk of developing certain cancers and may experience systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, swollen glands, weakness, and weight loss.

Many individuals infected with HIV are unaware of their status. HIV testing is crucial for diagnosis, often performed using fourth-generation screening tests that detect HIV antibodies and the HIV p24 antigen in blood samples. The window period, the time between infection and detectable antibodies, varies, typically taking 3–6 months. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can detect the virus during this window period.

Prevention of HIV transmission focuses on safe sexual practices, avoiding exposure to infected body fluids, and preventing mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy and childbirth. Antiretroviral treatment can significantly reduce viral transmission by lowering viral load in bodily fluids.

While treatments can slow the progression of HIV/AIDS, there is currently no cure or vaccine. Antiretroviral therapy reduces both mortality and new infections but may not be universally accessible due to cost and availability. Prevention remains paramount, with efforts aimed at promoting safe sex and needle-exchange programs to curb the spread of the virus.