AIDS - What is AIDS?

What is AIDS?

AIDS refers to the final stage of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection at which the virus severely weakens the body's immune system. HIV is a sexually transmitted diseses (STDs). HIV is a lentivirus which means a "slow virus"). This lentivirus is a member of the retrovirus family which slowly attacks and destroys the immune system. This leads to a variety of other common infections and makes people vulnerable to death.

Historical Background of AIDS

• In 1982, researchers coined the term "AIDS" as they realized the impact of the virus beyond its earlier connection to certain groups of people.

• On June 5, 1981, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report that five gay men in Los Angeles had a rare type of lung infection called Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

• Initially, some researchers seemed to confine themselves to homosexuals, hence the name Gay-Related Immune Deficiency Syndrome (GRID).

• The disease was commonly referred to in the media as the gay plague.

• However, the disease was also identified in her IDU, who was infected primarily through sharing contaminated hypodermic needles.

• It has also been observed in women who have male sexual partners.

• As a result, the term "acquired immune deficiency syndrome," or AIDS, was introduced to describe the disease.

• The CDC published its first report using the term in 1982. By 1984, researchers working in Africa provided clear evidence of heterosexual transmission of HIV.

Causes of AIDS

AIDS is caused by HIV infection. This happens when an individual develops HIV that later kills CD4 cells, famously known as T cells, hence becoming key players in fighting infections. The disease eventually becomes AIDS if it is not treated. Knowing the causes of AIDS helps prevent its progression. The causes of AIDS are described below:

• Lack of Treatment: HIV, in the absence of ART, progresses to AIDS after around 10 to 15 years.

• Co-infections: Other infections or diseases can add up to the harm that HIV has caused to the body.

• Malnutrition: A weak body due to malnutrition makes it harder for people to resist infections.

Stages and Symptoms of AIDS

The symptoms of AIDS can vary greatly depending on the stage of HIV infection. The following table is a summary of the stages and their symptoms:

Transmission of AIDS

• AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

• The need for spreading these facts helps avoid spreading myths and thereby de-stigmatizing such a disease.

• Many people are wrongly assuming that they can contract AIDS through common interaction; however, this is not so.

Types of Transmissions

AIDS is not spread through the air, water, or even from touching someone. It is obtained from particular body fluids:

• Blood: Blood from an infected person is acquired through blood transfused into a healthy body. This risk is much reduced due to very vigorous screening of blood supplies.

• Semen: Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person transfers the virus from an HIV-positive body to a healthy one.

• Breast Milk: A baby breastfed from an infected mother introduces the virus into the baby's body

• Fluid from vagina and Rectum: These fluids also carry HIV, thus transmission occurs during sexual activities.

• Needles: Infection by HIV occurs through the shared use of needles or syringes with someone who has HIV, hence injecting the virus directly into a healthy person's bloodstream.

• Prenatal Transmission: AIDS can be transferred from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth, or even in breastfeeding.

Prevention of AIDS

Prevention of the passage of HIV and therefore AIDS entails several techniques:

Difference Between HIV and AIDS

Understanding that there's a difference between HIV and AIDS is important for awareness:

Myths and Facts About AIDS

• Historical Background: The cases identified at the time to be known as AIDS were first reported among gay men in Los Angeles during the year 1981.

• Global Impact: An estimated 39 million people are now living with HIV/AIDS around the globe.

• Treatment Milestone: Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows a person infected with HIV to lead a virtually normal life if they adhere to their schedule of treatment.

• Myths about Transmissions: Most people believe that HIV can be transmitted by casual contact: hugging, kissing, touching, saliva, or other casual contact; and it cannot because it is not possible through saliva or casual contact.

• Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U): If the person living with HIV is on treatment and has an undetectable viral load, they are not able to transmit the virus sexually

AIDS in NEET, CBSE & Other Exams

This table will present a view of the weightage assigned to the topic of AIDS through various entrance exams so that students can understand and concentrate properly on their study efforts.

Conclusion

Although there is still no cure for the ailment, effective treatment with ART has made it possible to treat HIV infection effectively and meaningfully and significantly improve quality of life. Initiatives such as early diagnosis and continuous follow-up care are important measures for people living with HIV and AIDS to prevent them from becoming AIDS.

AIDS NEET MCQs

Q1. The causative organism of AIDS spreads by

1. Sharing infected needles and syringes

2. Transfusion of infected blood

3. Unsafe sexual relationships

4. All of these

Correct answer: 4) All of these

Explanation:

The HIV can spread by:

(a) sexual contact with an infected person

(b) by transfusion of contaminated blood and blood products,

(c) by sharing infected needles as in the case of intravenous drug abusers and

(d) from the infected mother to her child through the placenta.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) All of these.

Q2. A certain patient is suspected to be suffering from Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome. Which diagnostic technique will you recommend for its detection?

1. ELISA

2. MRI

3. Ultrasound

4. WIDAL

Correct answer: 1) ELISA

Explanation:

The preferred diagnostic method for AIDS is ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), which is primarily used to identify HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection, the cause of AIDS.

ELISA: This test is frequently used for preliminary screening to identify HIV antibodies in a patient's blood. A confirmation test, such as the Western Blot or PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, is usually performed if the test results are positive. The ELISA test is popular, dependable, and capable of identifying HIV antibodies, a sign of viral exposure.

Ultrasound and MRI are not suitable diagnostic methods for identifying HIV or AIDS. Ultrasound and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are commonly used to check for anomalies, including tumours or organ malfunction, in body structures or organs.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1)ELISA.

Q3. The abbreviation AIDS stands for

1. Acquired immune disease syndrome

2. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

3. Acquired immunity-determining syndrome

4. Acquired immunity delay syndrome

Correct answer: 2) Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Explanation:

The abbreviation AIDS, which is short for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, refers to a medical condition that arises as a consequence of infection with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). This virus specifically targets and decimates CD4 cells, a critical component of the human immune system known as white blood cells. As the infection progresses over time, the individual's immune response becomes significantly impaired due to the depletion of these essential cells. This severe compromise in the body's defence mechanisms renders the patient highly susceptible to various opportunistic infections and particular types of cancers that typically do not affect individuals with a robust immune system.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Also Read:

• MCQs on HIV and AIDS

• Bacterial Diseases

• Role of Antibodies

FAQs on AIDS

What causes AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). HIV targets the immune system of the body and makes it weak, unable to fight even mild infections. It destroys CD$ T-lymphocytes, making the body weak. With time, if HIV is left untreated, it slowly progresses to AIDS. It is the last and most severe stage.

What are the symptoms of AIDS?

The symptoms of AIDS are fever, sweating at night, sudden and rapid weight loss, diarrhea, fatigue and infections as the body's immune system is weak. People with AIDS are prone to infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and some cancers.

How is AIDS transmitted?

AIDS and HIV are transmitted through almost the same means. It can spread by unprotected sexual contact from an infected person, sharing used needles and blood transfusions from an infected person. It can also transfer from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, or breast feeding.

What are the prevention strategies for AIDS?

The prevention strategies for AIDS are safe sexual practices using condoms, avoiding sharing needles, checking blood before transfusion, and regular HIV testing especially those who are at high risk. Pregnant women should take antiretroviral medicines to protect the baby.

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