Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). By damaging the immune system, HIV interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
Diagnosis
HIV can be diagnosed through blood or saliva testing. Available tests include:
- Antigen/Antibody Tests:
These tests involve drawing blood from a vein.
– Antigens, substances on the HIV virus, are usually detectable in the blood within a few weeks after exposure.
– Antibodies, produced by the immune system when exposed to HIV, can take weeks to months to become detectable.
– Combination antigen/antibody tests usually become positive two to six weeks after exposure.
- Antibody Tests:
These tests look for HIV antibodies in blood or saliva.
– Most rapid HIV tests, including self-tests done at home, are antibody tests.
– These tests can take three to 12 weeks after exposure to show positive results.
- Nucleic Acid Tests (NATs):
NATs detect the actual virus in the blood (viral load).
– They involve blood drawn from a vein.
– NATs are recommended if you might have been exposed to HIV within the past few weeks.
– They are the first tests to become positive after exposure.
Discuss with your doctor which HIV test is right for you. If any test result is negative, follow-up testing weeks to months later may be necessary to confirm the results.
Tests to Stage the Disease and Guide Treatment
If diagnosed with HIV, finding a specialist is crucial for:
– Determining if additional tests are needed.
– Choosing the most effective HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART).
– Monitoring progress and managing health.
Key tests include:
– CD4 T Cell Count:
CD4 T cells are white blood cells targeted by HIV. AIDS is diagnosed when the CD4 T cell count drops below 200.
– Viral Load (HIV RNA):
Measures the amount of virus in the blood. The goal after starting treatment is an undetectable viral load, which reduces the risk of opportunistic infections.
– Drug Resistance Testing:
Identifies if the virus is resistant to specific medications, aiding in treatment planning.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the stage of HIV infection:
- Acute HIV Infection:
– Symptoms appear 2–4 weeks after infection and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen glands, and rash.
– Some people experience mild or no symptoms.
- Chronic HIV Infection:
– This stage can last 5–10 years with mild or no symptoms before progressing to AIDS.
- AIDS:
– Severe symptoms such as weight loss, extreme fatigue, fever, pneumonia, diarrhoea, sores, cancers, skin problems, swollen lymph glands, and fatigue.
Transmission
HIV spreads through infected blood or body fluids, including semen and vaginal fluids. Common transmission routes include:
– Sexual contact (especially anal and vaginal sex).
– Sharing needles for drug use or tattooing.
– Accidental needle injuries.
– Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Social Factors Contributing to HIV/AIDS Spread
– Migration.
– Industrialization.
– Socio-economic challenges.
Global and Local Status
Globally, 39.9 million people were living with HIV by the end of 2023.
In India, over 2.5 million people live with HIV, with adult prevalence at 0.2%. Annual new infections are estimated at 66,400.
In Jammu and Kashmir, around 6,600 HIV-positive cases have been registered over the past three decades. Stigma and underreporting remain significant challenges.
Prevention
Currently, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Prevention through education and precautionary measures is essential:
– Take antiretroviral medications as prescribed.
– Avoid sharing needles, razors, or personal items that may come into contact with blood.
– Cover cuts and sores with bandages.
By understanding HIV/AIDS, we can combat the stigma and work together to minimize its spread.
The writer is a microbiologist
By Aejaz Iqbal
ai********@***il.com