AIDS
Introduction
- AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, signifying a deficiency of the immune system acquired during an individual’s lifetime.
- It is not a congenital disease.
- AIDS was first reported in 1981 and has since become a global pandemic, claiming the lives of more than 25 million people.
Causative Agent: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is a retrovirus with an envelope enclosing an RNA genome.
Modes of Transmission
- HIV infection is typically transmitted through:
- Sexual contact with an infected person.
- Transfusion of contaminated blood and blood products.
- Sharing of infected needles, particularly among intravenous drug abusers.
- Transmission from an infected mother to her child through the placenta.
High-Risk Groups
- People at high risk of HIV infection include:
- Individuals with multiple sexual partners.
- Intravenous drug users.
- Individuals requiring repeated blood transfusions.
- Children born to HIV-infected mothers.
Transmission
- It is important to note that HIV/AIDS is not spread through mere touch or physical contact but rather through body fluids.
Clinical Progression
- There is a time lag between infection and the appearance of AIDS symptoms, which can vary from a few months to many years, usually around 5-10 years.
- Upon infection, the virus enters macrophages, replicates, and incorporates its viral DNA into the host cell’s DNA.
- This results in the production of virus particles and continuous virus replication within the macrophages.
- Simultaneously, HIV enters helper T-lymphocytes (TH), replicates, and produces progeny viruses.
- The progeny viruses attack other helper T-lymphocytes, causing a progressive decrease in their numbers.
- This decline in T-lymphocytes leads to symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and weight loss.
- Due to the weakened immune system, individuals are susceptible to infections from various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- Diagnostic tests for AIDS often include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).
- Treatment with antiretroviral drugs can prolong a patient’s life but cannot prevent the inevitable outcome of the disease.
Prevention of AIDS
Importance of Prevention
- AIDS has no cure, making prevention the most crucial approach to combat the disease.
- Unlike diseases like pneumonia or typhoid, HIV infection primarily spreads through conscious behavioral patterns rather than inadvertent exposure.
National Efforts
- National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India are actively involved in educating the public about AIDS.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated several programs to prevent the spread of HIV infection.
Key Preventive Measures
- Safe Blood Supply: Ensuring that blood from blood banks is free from HIV.
- Disposable Needles and Syringes: Promoting the use of disposable needles and syringes in both public and private hospitals and clinics to prevent needle-related transmission.
- Condom Distribution: Free distribution of condoms to promote safe sexual practices.
- Control of Drug Abuse: Addressing the issue of drug abuse, which can lead to a higher risk of HIV transmission through shared needles.
- Advocating Safe Sex: Promoting safe sexual practices to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
- Regular Check-ups: Encouraging regular check-ups for HIV in populations at risk.
Promoting Awareness and Sympathy
- HIV/AIDS-infected individuals should not hide their condition, as concealing it can lead to further transmission.
- Infected individuals require support, empathy, and understanding from society rather than stigmatization.
- A collective approach involving both society and the medical community is essential to effectively prevent the spread of the disease.
