Summary about Disease
Lentivirus infections, in the context of human health, primarily refer to infections caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Lentiviruses are a subclass of retroviruses characterized by a long incubation period and the ability to infect non-dividing cells. HIV attacks the immune system, specifically CD4+ T cells (helper T cells), weakening the body's ability to fight off infections and certain cancers.
Symptoms
Early symptoms of HIV infection can be flu-like and may include:
Fever
Fatigue
Rash
Headache
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes These symptoms may disappear and the person may remain asymptomatic for years. As the infection progresses to AIDS, symptoms may include:
Rapid weight loss
Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
Extreme and unexplained tiredness
Prolonged swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck
Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals
Pneumonia
Memory loss, depression and other neurological disorders
Causes
HIV is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is primarily transmitted through:
Sexual contact: Unprotected sex (without a condom or PrEP) with an infected person.
Sharing needles: Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person.
Mother to child transmission: During pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Less commonly: Through blood transfusions (rare in countries with screening) or accidental needle sticks.
Medicine Used
The primary treatment for HIV infection is Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). ART involves taking a combination of medications that work to suppress the virus and prevent it from replicating. Common classes of ART drugs include:
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
Protease inhibitors (PIs)
Integrase inhibitors
Fusion inhibitors
CCR5 antagonists (entry inhibitors) ART does not cure HIV, but it can control the virus and allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives.
Is Communicable
Yes, HIV is communicable. It can be transmitted from one person to another through specific routes, as mentioned in the causes section (sexual contact, sharing needles, mother-to-child).
Precautions
Practice safe sex: Use condoms consistently and correctly. Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk.
Avoid sharing needles: Never share needles or syringes.
Get tested regularly: Especially if you are at high risk.
If pregnant and HIV-positive: Take ART medications to prevent transmission to the baby.
Universal precautions: Healthcare workers should follow universal precautions to prevent exposure to blood and body fluids.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): Seek medical attention immediately after potential exposure to HIV.
How long does an outbreak last?
HIV infection is not an outbreak in the traditional sense of a short-term epidemic. It is a chronic, ongoing infection that, without treatment, can lead to AIDS over many years. The duration of time from initial infection to the development of AIDS varies greatly depending on individual factors and access to treatment. With effective ART, HIV can be controlled indefinitely, preventing progression to AIDS.
How is it diagnosed?
HIV is diagnosed through blood or saliva tests. Common tests include:
Antibody tests: These tests look for antibodies to HIV in the blood or saliva.
Antigen/antibody tests: These tests look for both HIV antibodies and antigens (a part of the virus) in the blood.
Nucleic acid tests (NATs): These tests look for the actual virus in the blood and can detect HIV infection earlier than antibody tests. If the initial screening test is positive, a confirmatory test is performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Timeline of Symptoms
Acute Infection (2-4 weeks after infection): Flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, rash, sore throat).
Clinical Latency (asymptomatic stage): Can last for years, with no noticeable symptoms. The virus is still active but reproducing at very low levels.
Symptomatic HIV Infection: As the immune system weakens, symptoms such as fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and opportunistic infections may appear.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): The final stage of HIV infection, characterized by a severely damaged immune system and life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers. This timeline is highly variable and can be significantly altered by ART.
Important Considerations
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing disease progression and transmission.
Adherence to ART is essential for maintaining viral suppression and preventing drug resistance.
People with HIV can live long and healthy lives with proper medical care.
HIV stigma remains a significant barrier to prevention and treatment.
Continued research is ongoing to develop a cure and a vaccine for HIV.