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AIDS – A Major Worldwide Epidemic

Author: Don Hanson
by Don Hanson
Posted: Aug 08, 2014

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a deadly disease which was first reported in 1981 in the United States, and since then it has become a major medical condition. The causative agent of AIDS is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In United States, since 1981, approximately 1 million cases of AIDS were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And out of these millions, majority of people who are infected with HIV are unaware of their disease. Hence, it is considered as a major worldwide epidemic.

This epidemic is growing rapidly among people and is a leading cause of number of deaths in American males in the age group of 25 to 45. In recent years, researchers have found that this virus has affected numerous American females and children, and is increasing at an alarming rate. Nearly 1.7 million people died because of AIDS in the year 2011. As of 2012, worldwide, approximately, 35.3 million people are suffering from AIDS, and it is now considered as a pandemic.

What is AIDS?

HIV is a retrovirus that causes AIDS. HIV kills or damages the cells of the immune system by destroying a type of white blood cells (CD4 positive T cell) that is helpful in fighting against the infection. This lentivirus progressively destroys the ability of the body to fight off the infections and certain malignancies. Therefore, people suffering from AIDS are vulnerable to opportunistic infections or diseases and their complications, such as Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, etc.

HIV infected persons are more prone to opportunistic infections that may be life-threatening. These infections are caused by pathogenic microbes such as bacteria or viruses that mostly do not cause any major diseases in healthy people. The destruction of CD4+ T cells is rapid and the levels of these cells are drastically reduced in numbers that make a person very sick due to poor immunity.

Mode of transmission –

The HIV is transmitted from person to person in any of the below-mentioned ways:

  • Sexual contact – Through unprotected sex that includes vaginal, oral and anal sexual intercourse
  • Blood or body fluids – Blood transfusions, infected needle sharing, etc.
  • Mother-to-child – A pregnant woman can transmit this retrovirus to fetus through placenta (blood circulation) and a nursing mother to newborn through breast-feeding

Signs and Symptoms of AIDS –

In initial stages of infection, majority of the people are asymptomatic. To develop symptoms of HIV infection, it may take 10 years or longer for a full-blown infection with severe symptoms. Almost all cases of HIV infection will develop AIDS. A very small group of infected people may develop AIDS very slowly or never in their lifetime, and they are called as nonprogressors.

Acute HIV infection –

  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Mouth sores
  • Skin rashes
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Swollen lymph glands
  • Generalized weakness
  • Weight loss

In case of AIDS – the CD4+ T cells count is below 200 cells per µL and is associated with opportunistic infections. In this stage, a person suffers from prolonged fever, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, excessive weight loss, muscle wasting and generalized weakness with malignancies.

Investigations –

The two vital tests involved in detection of HIV in blood are ELISA and Western blot test. A complete blood count (CBC) is also essential to reveal any abnormalities such as white blood cell differential count. As mentioned earlier, CD4 count is less than 200 cells per µL to confirm the diagnosis of AIDS. To check the viral load in the blood, a specific blood test known as HIV RNA level is done. In case of advance cases, anal or cervical Pap smear is done to detect any malignancies.

Treatment –

AIDS is an incurable disease, but the symptoms can be managed with the help of medications. The main goal of treating the symptoms is to improve the length and quality of life. Antiretroviral therapy is given to the HIV infected person to prolong the life. Modern treatment consists of combinational therapy that is highly effective and people who take this therapy could live without developing AIDS. In case of severe cases, one may require advanced medical intervention.

Prevention –

  • Do not share syringes or needles and do not use illegal drugs
  • If you are infected, you should not donate blood, blood products (plasma), organs, or sperm
  • Avoid sexual contact with infected person. Safer sexual practices like using high-quality latex condom are effective in prevention of HIV. However, the risk of getting HIV is there even after using condoms.
  • In case of pregnancy or breast-feeding, it is important to consult your physician before planning to conceive or feeding a newborn. Report on
AIDS cases are shrinking down now. The awareness is playing the important role in reducing the AIDS cases.

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Author: Don Hanson

Don Hanson

Member since: Aug 07, 2014
Published articles: 2

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