HIV and AIDS: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is HIV?

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system by destroying CD4 cells. Over time, a reduced CD4 count makes the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. HIV spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.

Without treatment, HIV progresses in three stages:

1. Acute HIV Infection:
   • Occurs 2–4 weeks after exposure, characterized by flu-like symptoms.
2. Chronic HIV Infection (Clinical Latency):
   • The virus is active but reproduces at low levels; this stage can last for decades with treatment.
3. AIDS:
   • The final stage, marked by a severely weakened immune system and life-threatening infections.

What is AIDS?

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, defined by a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³ or the presence of opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis or certain cancers. Without treatment, AIDS significantly reduces life expectancy, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can prevent the progression to this stage.

Causes of HIV and AIDS

HIV is caused by a retrovirus that invades and replicates within CD4 cells. It is transmitted through specific pathways, including:

1. Unprotected Sexual Contact:
   • Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person without using condoms.
2. Blood Transmission:
   • Sharing needles, syringes, or receiving contaminated blood products.
3. Mother-to-Child Transmission:
   • During childbirth, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
4. Occupational Exposure:
   • Needlestick injuries or exposure to infected blood (common in healthcare settings).

HIV does not spread through casual contact, hugging, sharing food, or mosquito bites.

Symptoms of HIV and AIDS

HIV Symptoms

Acute HIV Infection (2–4 weeks after exposure):

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Rash
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches

Chronic HIV Infection:

• Symptoms are often absent during this phase, but some may experience:
  • Night sweats
  • Weight loss
  • Recurring infections

AIDS Symptoms

• Rapid weight loss
• Persistent fever or night sweats
• Chronic diarrhea
• Extreme fatigue
• White spots or lesions in the mouth
• Skin rashes or blotches
• Frequent infections (e.g., pneumonia, tuberculosis)
• Neurological symptoms like memory loss or confusion

Diagnosis of HIV and AIDS

HIV testing is essential for early detection and management. Common diagnostic methods include:

1. Antibody/Antigen Tests:
   • Detect HIV antibodies and p24 antigens in the blood or saliva.
2. Nucleic Acid Test (NAT):
   • Detects the virus’s genetic material; useful in early-stage diagnosis.
3. CD4 Count:
   • Measures immune system health by counting CD4 cells.
4. Viral Load Test:
   • Monitors the amount of HIV in the blood.
5. Opportunistic Infection Tests:
   • Diagnose infections or cancers associated with AIDS.

Regular testing is recommended for individuals at high risk of HIV exposure.

Treatment for HIV and AIDS

While there is no cure for HIV, effective treatment can suppress the virus and prevent progression to AIDS. Treatment options include:

1. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

• Combines multiple drugs to suppress HIV replication.
• Keeps the viral load undetectable and prevents transmission.
• Common drug classes:
  • Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs): Tenofovir, zidovudine.
  • Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs): Efavirenz, rilpivirine.
  • Protease Inhibitors (PIs): Atazanavir, darunavir.
  • Integrase Inhibitors: Dolutegravir, raltegravir.

2. Preventive Measures

• Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP):
  • Medication for HIV-negative individuals at high risk of infection.
• Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP):
  • Emergency treatment taken within 72 hours of potential exposure.

3. Supportive Care

• Treatment for opportunistic infections.
• Immune-boosting therapies, such as vaccines for pneumonia or influenza.

Preventing HIV and AIDS

Prevention strategies are critical to reducing the spread of HIV:

1. Safe Sexual Practices

• Use condoms consistently and correctly.
• Limit the number of sexual partners.

2. HIV Testing and Counseling

• Regular testing for individuals at risk.
• Encourage partners to get tested.

3. Needle Safety

• Avoid sharing needles or syringes.
• Use needle exchange programs.

4. Prevention for Pregnant Women

• HIV-positive mothers can reduce the risk of transmission by taking ART during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Complications of HIV and AIDS

Without treatment, HIV can lead to severe complications, including:

1. Opportunistic Infections:
   • Tuberculosis, candidiasis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and toxoplasmosis.
2. Neurological Disorders:
   • HIV-associated dementia, peripheral neuropathy.
3. Cancers:
   • Kaposi’s sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, cervical cancer.
4. Organ Damage:
   • Chronic kidney disease, liver damage from co-infections like hepatitis B or C.
5. Wasting Syndrome:
   • Extreme weight loss and muscle wasting in advanced AIDS.

FAQs about HIV and AIDS

1. What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus that causes the disease, while AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection characterized by a severely weakened immune system.

2. Can HIV be cured?

There is no cure for HIV, but ART can suppress the virus, allowing individuals to live healthy lives.

3. How is HIV diagnosed?

HIV is diagnosed through antibody/antigen tests, NAT, or rapid tests, followed by confirmatory testing.

4. Is it possible to prevent HIV transmission?

Yes, prevention methods include PrEP, safe sex practices, avoiding needle sharing, and proper ART use to maintain an undetectable viral load.

5. What happens if HIV is left untreated?

Untreated HIV progresses to AIDS, increasing the risk of life-threatening infections, cancers, and organ failure.

Conclusion

HIV and AIDS remain significant global health challenges, but with advancements in antiretroviral therapy and prevention strategies, they are now manageable conditions. Early testing, consistent treatment, and preventive measures are essential to reducing transmission and improving the quality of life for those affected. If you suspect exposure to HIV, seek immediate medical advice for testing and care.