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HIV and AIDS

A deadly STD, the human immunodeficiency virus causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a condition which causes the immune system to fail. A pandemic, AIDS kills millions every year.

4,343 Questions

Why are people with AIDS so vulnerable to infections?

People with AIDS have weakened immune systems due to the decrease in CD4 T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. This makes them more vulnerable to opportunistic infections that would not typically affect individuals with healthy immune systems. Additionally, their body's ability to defend against pathogens is compromised, increasing their susceptibility to infections.

Is the immunochromatography is accurate test for hiv?

Immunochromatography tests for HIV are generally accurate, with sensitivity and specificity rates similar to traditional HIV tests. However, confirmatory testing is often recommended to validate the initial results and ensure accuracy. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate testing and interpretation of results.

Could HIV infect a monkey as it does humans?

Yes, HIV can infect monkeys, causing a similar disease known as Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV). However, the specific strains of HIV that infect humans do not typically infect monkeys, and vice versa. Cross-species transmission events can occur in certain circumstances.

What human cell is attacked by HIV?

HIV primarily attacks CD4 T cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in regulating the immune response. HIV infects and destroys these cells, weakening the immune system's ability to fight off infections and diseases.

What type of pathogen is HIV caused by?

"Pathogen" means something that causes sickness (path- = suffering, gen- = creation). "HIV" stands for "Human Immunodeficiency Virus," which is a virus which sometimes, in time, causes the disease AIDS ("Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome"). In other words, HIV is the pathogen, and being infected by HIV is the cause of the disease AIDS.

The best ways to avoid being infected by HIV is never ever to share needles for drugs, and never ever to have penetrative sex without a condom. If you steer clear of those, as long as you live in part of the world where HIV isn't endemic, you are likely safe from HIV.

There is no cure for HIV infection or AIDS, but there are very effective treatments.

Is it true that AIDS is caused by a fungus?

No, AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), not a fungus. HIV attacks the immune system, leading to a weakened immune response and making individuals more susceptible to infections and certain cancers. Fungal infections can occur in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with untreated HIV/AIDS, but they are not the primary cause of the disease.

Would you expect patients with lack of serum reactivity to have a fast or slow progression from hiv to aids?

Patients with a lack of serum reactivity may progress more rapidly from HIV to AIDS due to a weakened immune response and inability to develop antibodies against the virus. This lack of response may lead to faster progression of the disease.

What cells are infected by the human immunodeficiency virus considering that most viruses infect a specific kind of cell?

HIV primarily infects CD4+ T cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune system. Additionally, the virus can also infect macrophages, another type of immune cell that helps protect the body against infections.

What does the third stage of bereavement consist of?

The third stage of bereavement, according to the Kübler-Ross model, is bargaining. During this stage, individuals may try to negotiate or make deals in an attempt to change the outcome of the loss. This can involve pleading with a higher power or rethinking past actions in hopes of reversing the situation.

What are some complications of hemodialysis?

Some complications of hemodialysis include hypotension (low blood pressure), muscle cramps, infection, clotting of the dialysis access site, and electrolyte imbalances. Long-term complications can also include anemia, bone diseases, and vascular access problems.

What is the most common cause of locked-in syndrome?

The most common cause of locked-in syndrome is damage to the brainstem, often due to a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological conditions that affect the lower part of the brain. This damage impairs the communication between the brain and the rest of the body, resulting in paralysis of all voluntary muscles except those controlling eye movement.

What might cause a virus to suddenly enter the lytic cycle?

Factors like host cell stress, UV radiation exposure, or changes in environmental conditions can trigger a virus to switch from the lysogenic to lytic cycle. This switch is often influenced by the need to replicate quickly and take advantage of the host cell's resources before it dies.

How may myotonic dystrophy be said to be a rare disorder?

Myotonic dystrophy is considered a rare disorder because its prevalence is estimated to be around 1 in 8,000 individuals. It is caused by a genetic mutation and can affect multiple body systems, leading to muscle weakness, myotonia, and other symptoms. Due to its rarity, it may be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in some cases.

What is a positive result with the antinuclear antibody test?

A positive result on an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test may indicate the presence of autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. It suggests that the immune system is producing antibodies that mistakenly target normal proteins in the nucleus of cells. Further diagnostic testing is often needed to confirm a specific autoimmune condition.

What is a CSF used to test for?

CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) is used to test for a variety of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues. It can help diagnose infections, inflammatory diseases, bleeding, and certain cancers in the central nervous system. It can also be used to measure levels of certain chemicals and proteins to aid in diagnosis and monitoring of these conditions.

How does aids infect the cell?

HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS, infects cells by attaching to a protein on the surface of immune cells called CD4. Once attached, HIV then enters the cell, where it replicates and spreads to other cells. This leads to a weakening of the immune system, eventually progressing to AIDS.

Does cold weather affect hiv aids patients?

Cold weather itself does not directly affect HIV/AIDS patients. However, cold weather can weaken the immune system and make it harder for individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS, to fight off infections. It is important for HIV/AIDS patients to take extra precautions during cold weather to prevent illness.

Where is HIV in the human body?

HIV primarily targets and infects CD4+ T cells, which are a type of immune cell found in the bloodstream and lymph nodes. Once inside the CD4+ T cells, HIV replicates and spreads to other parts of the body, including the brain, intestines, and genital tract. Additionally, HIV can also be found in semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and blood.

What prevention methods are there to avoid AIDS?

Prevention methods to avoid AIDS include practicing safe sex by using condoms, getting tested regularly for HIV, avoiding sharing needles, taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if at high risk, and educating oneself about the transmission of the virus.

What precautions need to be taken before using AIDS tests?

Before using AIDS tests, it's important to check the expiration date to ensure the test is still accurate. Ensure the test kit has not been compromised or tampered with. Read the instructions carefully and follow them precisely to obtain an accurate result. It's also important to understand the limitations of the test and consider counseling before and after testing.

How are viral diseases such as hepatitis and HIV passed?

Viral diseases like hepatitis and HIV are typically transmitted through contact with infected body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. This can occur through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. It is important to practice safe sex, avoid sharing needles, and get tested regularly to prevent the spread of these infections.

What fungal disease can cause meningitis to develop in AIDS patients?

Cryptococcal meningitis, caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, is a common opportunistic infection in AIDS patients. This fungus can cause severe meningitis characterized by headache, fever, and altered mental status. Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing this condition.

How long will a virus live on a discarded syringe needle?

A virus can survive on a discarded syringe needle for a few days, depending on factors like temperature, humidity, and type of virus. It is important to always handle discarded needles with caution and dispose of them properly to minimize the risk of infection.

Where do immature T-cells mature into effector T-cells and memory T-cells?

Immature T-cells mature into effector T-cells and memory T-cells in the thymus. The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ located in the chest cavity above the heart and is responsible for T-cell maturation and selection.