Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Definition

AIDS is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks the body's immune system. Once the immune system becomes severely compromised due to the progression of HIV, individuals become vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. Understanding AIDS is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies and managing the health of those living with the virus.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. AIDS is diagnosed when a person's CD4 T-cell count falls below 200 cells/mm³ or when they develop specific opportunistic infections or cancers.
2. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS within a decade, but with effective antiretroviral therapy, many people living with HIV can maintain their health for many years.
3. Transmission of HIV, leading to AIDS, can occur through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
4. Preventative measures like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission and the subsequent development of AIDS.
5. Public awareness campaigns and education about safe practices play a vital role in reducing new HIV infections and improving management strategies for those affected.

Review Questions

• How does the progression from HIV to AIDS occur, and what factors influence this transition?
  • The progression from HIV to AIDS occurs as the virus attacks and weakens the immune system over time. Key factors influencing this transition include the individual’s overall health, access to medical care, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Regular monitoring of CD4 T-cell counts is essential to assess when an individual may progress to AIDS, as well as understanding lifestyle factors that may impact immune function.
• Discuss the significance of opportunistic infections in individuals diagnosed with AIDS and their impact on treatment options.
  • Opportunistic infections are critical indicators of AIDS and pose significant health risks to affected individuals. These infections arise because the immune system is too compromised to fight them off. The presence of these infections complicates treatment options, as managing them becomes a priority in conjunction with antiretroviral therapy. Health care providers must tailor treatment plans to address both HIV management and the prevention or treatment of these infections.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current prevention strategies for HIV and how they contribute to reducing the incidence of AIDS globally.
  • Current prevention strategies for HIV include education on safe sex practices, distribution of clean needles, and the use of PrEP. These measures have proven effective in significantly lowering new HIV infections worldwide. By reducing the number of new infections, these strategies directly contribute to decreasing the incidence of AIDS. Continuous efforts in public health initiatives and access to healthcare resources are essential for maintaining progress in combating this global epidemic.

Related terms

HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that causes AIDS by attacking the immune system.

Opportunistic Infections: Infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems, often seen in AIDS patients.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): A treatment for HIV infection that helps manage the virus and prevent the progression to AIDS.