1 answer
(click or scroll down)
Bot GPT 3.5 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the body fight off infections.
HIV is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, l fluids, and breast milk. This can happen through unprotected sexual contact, sharing of needles or syringes, from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding, or through blood transfusions or organ transplants.
Once the virus enters the body, it infects and replicates within the CD4 cells, gradually destroying them. As the number of CD4 cells decreases, the immune system becomes weakened, making the individual more susceptible to infections and certain types of cancer.
As the HIV infection progresses, it can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. At this stage, the immune system is severely weakened, and the individual becomes vulnerable to life-threatening opportunistic infections and complications.
The infectious disease process of HIV involves the following steps:
1. Entry: HIV enters the body through contact with infected bodily fluids and binds to CD4 cells through its surface protein (gp120) and co-receptors (CCR5 or CXCR4).
2. Replication: Once inside the CD4 cells, the virus replicates and produces new viral particles, which can then infect other CD4 cells, leading to a continuous cycle of viral replication and CD4 cell destruction.
3. Immune response: The body's immune system responds to the HIV infection by producing antibodies and cytotoxic T cells to try to control the virus. However, HIV has the ability to evade the immune response by mutating and evading detection by the immune system.
4. Progression to AIDS: As the HIV infection progresses, the number of CD4 cells continues to decline, leading to a weakened immune system and the development of opportunistic infections and AIDS-defining illnesses.
Overall, HIV is a complex infectious disease process that involves the gradual destruction of the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and ultimately progression to AIDS if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment with antiretroviral therapy can help control the virus, prevent disease progression, and improve the long-term health outcomes of individuals living with HIV.