Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, more conveniently known as "AIDS," has resulted in the greatest public health concern since the tuberculosis epidemics of the early 1900's. Viral infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the causative factor in the development of AIDS, thus results in irreversible destruction of the victim's immune system by destroying specialized white blood cells, known as T4 helper lymphocytes. Without these cells, the immune system function is greatly compromised. An important distinction must be made between those who are infected with the HIV virus, and those who demonstrate the signs and symptoms of AIDS. All patients with AIDS are HIV positive, but not all HIV positive patients have AIDS. People who are HIV positive can be asymptomatic, whereas people with AIDS exhibit the symptoms of the disease. Most experts agree, it is hard to estimate the actual number of HIV infected individuals. This is due to the presence of asymptomatic (not yet exhibiting the symptoms of AIDS) carriers. Since its first case reports of AIDS in June 1981, state and local health departments had reported to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) 179,136 AIDS cases among persons of all ages in the United States. Reports of the rate of HIV infection in inner city emergency rooms range from 4.2 to 8.9 percent. In North and South America combined, there are estimates that up to 2 million people are currently infected with the HIV virus in North and South America combined. The World Health Organization estimates that 8-10 million adults and 1 million children worldwide are infected with the AIDS virus. By the year 2000, 40 million persons may be infected with the virus. More than 90% of these persons will likely reside in the developing countries of Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Based on 1989 data, AIDS is the number four cause of death in males age 15-54. The exact origin of AIDS is unknown, but it is suspected to have originated in Africa. A monkey population has been shown to be afflicted with a similar immunodeficiency syndrome. Transmission to the human population may have been through an infected bite or scratch. There is a substantial time lapse in the time at which a patient first produces a positive HIV antibody screening test and the time at which the patient first develops the symptoms of AIDS. In most cases, a patient will develop a positive HIV antibody test 3-6 months after exposure to the virus (closer to 3 months for those who contract the illness via blood transfusion or contaminated needle-stick). The incubation time of the virus is defined as the interval between actual infection (needle-stick, transfusion, or sexual contact) and the development of symptoms consistent with AIDS (see below). The mean incubation time is estimated at 8.23 years for adults, and 1.97 years for children under age 5. The mode of HIV infection seems to be a determining factor in the actual incubation time for the virus. The range of incubation contaminated needle-sticks and blood transfusion can be several months to several years, whereas homosexual contact may have incubation range of 1 year to over 10 years.

Patients with AIDS suffer from secondary bacterial, viral, and fungal infections that would otherwise not occur in an individual with a healthy immune system. These are known as opportunistic infections. Examples include; pneumocystis pneumonia, oral thrush, toxoplasmosis, histoplasmosis, tuberculosis, and disseminated fungal infections (Candida). Some forms of cancer (Kaposis sarcoma) are also more commonly seen in the AIDS patient. It is important to identify certain groups with a high risk for contracting (and transmitting) this disease.

HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES

1. HOMOSEXUAL CONTACT IN MEN (large number of infected individuals)

2. INTRAVENOUS DRUG ABUSE (shared needles)

3. PROSTITUTION (likely related to intravenous drug use as this population has a higher incidence of needle abuse)

4. BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCT TRANSFUSIONS (highest risk in those who received transfusion prior to 1985, hemophiliacs and kidney dialysis patients most commonly infected)

5. ANAL INTERCOURSE (recipient at greatest risk)

6. UNKNOWN OR MULTIPLE SEX PARTNERS (promiscuity) Through intravenous drug abuse, prostitution, and, to some degree, blood transfusions, the HIV virus has spilled over into the heterosexual population and is spreading within this group. The vast majority of cases are still reported in homosexual males (60% of the total U.S. cases), IV drug abusers (22% of the total U.S. cases), and combinations of these two groups. AIDS cases from heterosexual contact alone appear to be roughly 5% of the total U.S. cases.

PEOPLE WHO CARRY THE HIV VIRUS ARE INFECTIOUS AND DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE AIDS TO TRANSMIT THE DISEASE

Studies in Africa have shown that the chance of transmitting AIDS from an infected female to a male in a single act of vaginal-penile intercourse is less than 0.2% . It must be pointed out that venereal diseases (gonorrhea syphilis, herpes, etc.) may facilitate the transfer of AIDS. The female to male infection rate jumps to 5-10% when the female (or male) has a genital ulcer (from one of he above venereal diseases). It is now known that the transmission of the virus from an infected male to a noninfected female has a greater rate of incidence than infection from infected females to males. This has been attributed to the relatively high concentration of the virus in semen and the susceptibility of the cells lining the vaginal walls. For this reason, the routine use of LATEX condoms (impenetrable) is essential. Although AIDS has been identified with those who have received blood transfusions (in the past before adequate testing) the current risk of HIV virus transmission by blood transfusion, even in high-prevalence metropolitan areas, is extremely low. It has been estimated that the probability of a screened donor (negative test) would be a carrier of the HIV virus is 1 in 61,171 cases. In the state of Florida, one is more likely to be a victim of a lightning strike than acquiring the HIV virus through a tainted blood transfusion. AIDS is expected to become one of the five leading causes of death among FEMALES of reproductive age in 1991. By the end of 1991 it will be the second leading cause of death among MEN 25-44 years of age.

AIDS AND THE HEALTH CARE WORKER

One of the most emotionally charged issues in the AIDS epidemic has been the HIV risk to, and from, health care workers. The risk of HIV transmission for a health care worker, after needlestick inoculation with HIV infected blood has been estimated to be 0.3% (3 out of 100 workers will become infected after a contaminated needlestick). An investigation of HIV infections among patients in the practice of one Florida dentist with AIDS suggested that five patients, of the approximately 850 patients evaluated through June 1991, were infected with the HIV virus. In three other studies involving transmission of the HIV virus from infected health care workers, not a single case of transmission was identified. A precise estimate of the risk of HIV transmission from infected health care workers has yet to be determined through continued research in this area. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has estimated that several thousand individual health care workers have been diagnosed with AIDS. As of February 1993, 32 health care workers were regarded by the CDC as cases of "documented occupational transmission of HIV (contracted HIV infection from an infected patient)." In summary, the risk of contracting AIDS from a health care worker appears to be extremely low (less than 10 total cases), although the risk of HIV infection for the health care worker appears to be substantially greater.

THE SYMPTOMS OF AIDS

Symptoms of AIDS can be quite varied. Swollen glands, weight loss, fevers, exertional cough, skin lesions, chronic diarrhea, and persistent sore throat (fungal throat infection) are all seen. Symptoms will vary in accordance with the type of opportunistic infection. Pneumocystis pneumonia is a common complication see in the AIDS patient. Evaluation will include history to identify potential high risk groups. Physical examination may exhibit skin lesions or the fungal throat infection that typifies this disease. The blood test for HIV will be more definitive although false positives still occur. Further testing may be necessary. This test result remains confidential in most states. Most patients will also have a CBC, electrolyte profile, urinalysis, and chest x-ray performed as part of their general evaluation. Home diagnostic test kits for HIV infection are likely to be marketed to the general public by the year 2000.

THE TREATMENT OF AIDS

Treatment of AIDS and HIV infection is aimed at individual treatment of the bacterial and fungal infections that occur in the AIDS patient. Medications are used which seem to slow down the progression of the HIV carrier state to clinical AIDS. New medications such as "AZT" (Zidovudine) have been reported to decrease the progression of this disease.

A relatively new medication currently in clinical trials in the United States is didanosine (Videx). This is an anti-viral agent, also referred to as "ddI" that inhibits the replication of the HIV virus (responsible for AIDS). The effectiveness of this medication is still being evaluated. An important part of the treatment of AIDS and asymptomatic HIV infection is a nutritious diet. A cure or an effective vaccine remains in the future. New rapid tests for the AIDS virus are being developed and may eventually be marketed to the public. Politics and public opinion are quite influential in this area. Prevention of viral transmission remains an important factor in controlling this serious epidemic.

TIPS ON PREVENTION

1. Condom (latex only) use is the current recommendation unless between monogamous sexual partners (both negative for disease).

2. Do not share personal utensils (razors, toothbrush, etc) that could result in viral inoculation through breaks in the skin.

3. Avoid casual sexual relationships, multiple partners, sexual relations with partners of unknown sexual background, and those from high risk groups (see above).

4. Do not share insertive (sex) objects as they may transfer the virus through small breaks in the skin.

5. Avoid anal kissing, oral-genital sex (particularly in the presence of oral or genital sores), and anal intercourse. As a rule avoid any contact with blood, semen, urine, or feces.

6. Women should not douche immediately after intercourse because this can compromise the body's natural immunity.

7. Petroleum based lubricants (vaginal) can trap germs and viruses. Use water based lubricants.

8. The use of spermacidal agents (with condoms) may provide additional protection from the AIDS virus.

9. Health care workers need to avoid any contact with potentially infected fluids (blood, semen, urine, or feces) by always wearing gloves (and a mask) during medical procedures.

Hope this article will provide you information about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.


dsds Influenza
dsds Folliculitis
dsds Fungal Nail Infection
dsds Fungal Throat Infection
dsds Anglion Cysts
dsds Gastrointestinal Bleeding
dsds Rubella
dsds Giardia Gastroenteritis
dsds Hyperthyroidism
dsds Graves Disease
dsds Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
dsds Esophagitis and Hiatal Hernia
dsds Hemochromatosis
dsds Hepatitis - Liver Disease
dsds Inguinal Hernias and Umbilical Hernias
dsds Herpes Genitalis
dsds Shingles or Herpes Zoster
dsds Herpetic Whitlow
dsds High Blood Pressure
dsds High Triglycerides
dsds AIDS
dsds Allergic Rashes, Reactions and Anaphylaxis
dsds Hyperemesis Gravidarum or Morning Sickness
dsds Primary Hyperparathyroidism
dsds Hypoglycemia
dsds Postural Hypotension
dsds Hypothyroidism
dsds Impetigo
dsds Impotence
dsds Paronychia
dsds Lymphangitis and Lymphadenitis
dsds Scabies Rash
dsds Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
dsds Rabies Infection
dsds Proctitis
dsds Pinworms
dsds Perianal Abscess
dsds Parotitis
dsds Mumps
dsds Meningitis
dsds Measles or Rubeola
dsds Malaria
dsds Lymphogranuloma Venerum
dsds Lyme Disease
dsds Laryngitis and Voice Strain
dsds Legionnaire's Disease
dsds Encephalitis
dsds Syphilis
dsds Tonsillitis and Pharyngitis
dsds Venereal Disease : Males
dsds Pertussis
dsds Labyrinthitis
dsds Insulin Reaction
dsds Irritable Bowel Disease
dsds Ischemic Bowel Disease
dsds Kawasaki Disease
dsds Kidney Disease And Kidney Failure
dsds Kidney Stones
dsds Tetanus
dsds Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
dsds Ludwig's Angina
dsds Pneumonia
dsds Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
dsds Meniere's Disease
dsds Migraine Headaches
dsds Multiple Sclerosis
dsds Myasthenia Gravis
dsds Mycoplasma Infection
dsds Paget's Disease
dsds Pancreatitis
dsds Peritonsillar Abscess
dsds Pericarditis
dsds Sickle Cell Anemia
dsds Scarlet Fever
dsds Reye's Syndrome
dsds Pediatrics : Diaper Rash
dsds Parkinson's Disease
dsds Thrombophlebitis
dsds Pleurisy and Pleuritis
dsds Pleurisy and Pleuritis
dsds Polio
dsds Presbycusis
dsds Psoriasis
dsds Pulmonary Embolism
dsds Raynaud's Disease
dsds Retinal Detachment
dsds Rheumatic Fever
dsds Otitis Externa
dsds Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
dsds Sinusitis or Sinus Infection
dsds Sepsis
dsds Schatzki's Ring
dsds Sarcoidosis
dsds Tuberculosis
dsds Temporal Arteritis
dsds Temporomandibular Joint Disease
dsds Tendinitis and Tennis Elbow
dsds Testicular Torsion
dsds Toxic Shock Syndrome
dsds Trigeminal Neuralgia
dsds Urinary Retention
dsds Warts

DISEASES

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abortions
Abscess
Acne
Acute Glomerulonephritis
AIDS
Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcoholic Cirrhosis
Alocohlism
Allergic and Infectious Conjunctivitis
Allergic Rashes
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergy
Alzheimers Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Asthma
Blood Pressure

CANCERS
Bladder Cancer
Brain Tumors
Breast Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Multiple Myeloma
Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer Guide
Leukemia
Laryngeal Tumor
Lymphomas and Hodgkin's Disease
Head and Neck Cancer
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Cervical and Uterine Cancer

Cushing's Disease and Syndrome
Dementia
Depression
Flu (Influenza)
Guillain-Barre' Syndrome
Hemorrhoids
IBS
Insomnia
Peripheral Vascular Disease
l Threatened and Spontaneous Abortions
d Skin Abscess and Pilonidal Abscess
d Acne and Skin Blemishes
d Guillain-Barre Syndrome
d Diabetes Guide
d Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and Type 2
ee Ethanol Induced Hepatic Cirrhosis
d Anal Fissures and Hemorrhoids
d Bursitis
e Anemia and it's Causes
e Myocardial Infarction and Angina
r Ankylosing Spondylitis
s Anorexia Nervosa
a Gastroenteritis
s Anxiety Reactions and Hyperventilation
x Aortic Stenosis
dd Appendicitis
es Cardiac Arrhythmias
ww Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease
ss Gouty Arthritis
ee Rheumatoid Arthritis
s Septic Arthritis
s Aspiration Pneumonia
dd Asthma
ww Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease
s Common Fungal Rashes
df Atrial Fibrillation
e Roseola Baby Measles
rr Mitral Valve Prolapse
dff Otitis Media and Barotitis Media
ss Bartholin's Cyst and Abscess
ss Skin Cancer and Malignant Melanoma
ss Bell's Palsy
ss Muscle Tension Headache
ss Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
dsd Urinary Tract Infections
dd Blepharitis
dd Deep Venous Thrombosis
ss Body, Head, and Pubic Lice
dd Osteomyelitis
dds Botulism
dd Intestinal Obstruction or Bowel Obstruction
dd Mastitis
dd Pediatrics Bronchiolitis
dd Bronchitis
dd Buerger's Disease
dd Bunions
dd Cervical and Uterine Cancer
dd Cancers of the Head and Neck
ww Prostate Disease and Prostate Cancer
s Testicular Cancer
ss Vaginitis and Vaginal Yeast Infections
aa Mouth Ulcers or Canker Sores
ss Shock
aa Congestive Heart Failure
ss Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
ss Chondromalacia
ss Narcolepsy
dsd Cataracts
dsd Cellulitis or Skin Infection
s Central Retinal Artery and Vein Occlusions
s Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
s Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease
d Cervical Lymphadenitis
s Cystic Fibrosis
d Styes, Hordeolums, and Chalazions
s Chancroid
ww Chest Wall Pain and Costochondritis
ee Chicken Pox
dd Gallbladder Disease
ss High Cholesterol
ss Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
dd Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
dd Swimmer's Itch
dd Cocaine Overdose
dd Cold Sores or Fever Blisters
dsds Upper Respiratory Infections or Colds
dsds Ulcerative Colitis
dsds Otosclerosis and Conductive Hearing Loss
dsds Condyloma Acuminata
dsds Dermatitis and Eczema
dsds Allergic and Infectious Conjunctivitis
dsds Seizures and Epilepsy
dsds Crohn's Disease
dsds Pediatrics : Croup
dsds Skin Cysts
dsds Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalances
dsds Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
dsds Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease
dsds Diabetic Ketoacidosis
dsds Diabetic Neuropathy
dsds Diabetic Retinopathy
dsds Pediatrics Diphtheria
dsds Dissecting Thoracic Aneurysm
dsds Diverticulitis
dsds Vaccination Schedule
dsds Drug Withdrawal
dsds Muscular Dystrophy
dsds Peptic Ulcer Disease and Gastritis
dsds Menstrual Pain and Primary Dysmenorrhea
dsds Tubal Pregnancy
dsds Endometriosis
dsds Epididimytis
dsds Pediatric and Adult Epiglottitis
dsds Epistaxis
dsds Mononucleosis
dsds Pediatrics Febrile Seizures
dsds Endometritis
dsds Fibrocystic Breast Disease
dsds Menopause
dsds Ovarian Cystic Disease
dsds Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
dsds Placenta Previa
dsds Placental Abruption
dsds Preeclampsia or Toxemia of Pregnancy
dsds Premenstrual Syndrome
dsds Uterine Fibroids
dsds Uterine Prolapse
dsds Fever Control Instructions
dsds Pediatrics Fever in Infants Under 2 Years

     

Become a regular visitor at our "Health Care Blog" - Here are the latest blog entries:


 

Home © health-care-information.org. All rights reserved.

Diseases | Drugs | Injuries | Medical Tests | Home Remedies | Herbal Medicines

Health Care BLOG || Your Feedback & Suggestions || Fitness

 

Disclaimer: Health-Care-Information.org is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional medical services. Any medical or other decisions should be made in consultation with your qualified health care provider. We will not be liable for any complications, injuries or other medical accidents arising from or in connection with the use of or reliance upon any information on this web site.