AIDS
What is HIV infection and AIDS?
How does it occur?
What are the symptoms?
How is a test for HIV infection done?
Who is at high risk for HIV infection?
How can exposure to HIV be avoided?
Instructions for using latex condoms
ELISA and Western Blot Tests
What is HIV infection and AIDS?
The Human Immuno-deficiency Virus or HIV is the organism that ultimately causes
AIDS. Soon after first getting the HIV infection the person has a short, self
limiting ‘flue-like disease. This only lasts a few days and is so mild that
many persons do not even know it. The virus slowly destroys the ability of the
body to resist common communicable diseases. When tha resistance of the body is
so reduced that infections can no longer be resisted, the person is said to
have AIDS. The mean period between getting the HIV infection and developing
AIDS is 9.8 years. In other words, in 9.8 years half the HIV infected persons
can be expected to develop AIDS and conversely it must be emphasized that half
the persons will still be well and healthy at this time.
Once a person has lost the ability to resist common infections and has
developed AIDS, the prognosis is poor and death usually comes in 12 to 18
months unless anti-retroviral treatment is initiated. On anti-retrovirals a
person can be expected to be sustained for long time. The infection is not
cured and treatment must continue life-long.
It must be stressed again that in the early stages of HIV infection, the person
feels well and is able to function normally. Examination by a doctor will not
reveal any illness and the only detected abnormality is a positive blood test.
Such persons should be encouraged to live normally and continue their normal
occupation.
AIDS is a serious illness caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV). HIV breaks down the body's immune system, so the person with AIDS
can no longer fight off disease successfully. As a result, secondary infections, cancer can more easily take root in the
body.
It takes from 6 weeks to several months for the body to form sufficient
antibodies (proteins produced in response to infection to show a positive
test). When these antibodies can be detected in the blood, the patient is said
to be HIV-positive. AIDS is a much later stage when the ability to fight off
serious infections is lost.
How does it occur?
HIV is spread by unprotected penetrative sexual contact with an infected
person. It can also be acquired when infected blood enters the persons’ blood
by sharing needles or the transfusion of infected blood and organ transplants.
Infection can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her child in the
uterus, during delivery or while breastfeeding.
The virus is also found in smaller amounts in tears, saliva, brain, spinal
fluid, urine, and faeces although contact with these bodily fluids is not
likely to transmit the virus. Casual contact such as by shaking hands, social
kisses, touching an infected person, touching something that the person has
handled, using public toilets or telephones, or using swimming pools does NOT
spread HIV. The available information also bears out that HIV is not spread by
mosquito or other insect bites.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of AIDS are the symptoms of the diseases that attack the body
because of a weakened immune system. One should never, therefore, attempt to
diagnose HIV infection on the basis of symptom or signs only. Patients with
HIV/AIDS may present with a variety of manifestations which include:
It is important to always keep in mind that all the above symptoms are
non-specific and commonly occur in a variety of conditions. To establish a
diagnosis of HIV/AIDS a blood test that has been confirmed is essential. A
physical examination and other tests are necessary to rule out other illnesses.
How is a test for HIV infection done?
Most of the blood tests used to detect HIV infection work by detecting the
presence of HIV antibodies. Keep in mind that early in infection there may not
be sufficient antibodies present in the blood to give a positive reaction even
though the person has HIV infection. This period is known as the “Window
Period” and is dangerous as though the person has a negative test, infection
can be spread through sex or blood.
The commonest test used is the ELISA test. The result of a single ELISA (or
Rapid / Spot tests) should never be taken to indicate infection but merely as
an indication for repeated tests to confirm the result. The WHO recommends that
ERS (ELISA, Rapid or Spot) always be repeated to confirm the diagnosis,
preferably using a different make of test kit. The Western Blot test is no
longer recommended as a mandatory confirmatory test. A single positive test
does not indicate infection and must always be confirmed. A negative test does
not guarantee that a person is not infected where the risk exposure has
occurred recently. If the person has only recently been infected, the
antibodies may not yet have been formed (window phase). It may take up to 3 to
even 6 months for someone to develop adequate antibodies after exposure to the
virus. A confirmed positive test indicates that the person has been exposed to
the virus and has developed antibodies but may not necessarily progress to
full-blown AIDS.
Who is at high risk for HIV infection?
How can exposure to HIV be avoided?
The best way of self-protection is to learn as much as possible about HIV
infection, avoid risky behaviour, and follow guidelines for protection.
Abstinence, non-penetrative sex or a stable relationship between mutually
faithful partners is optimal. Where this is not possible, risk can be
substantially reduced by the following:
At this time, there is no cure or vaccination
that will prevent HIV infection, though a lot of research is being done for a
vaccine. Anyone engaging in high-risk behaviour should contact a physician to
arrange for a complete physical examination and blood tests.
Instructions for using latex condoms: