Treatment of AIDS

The human immunodeficiency virus, i.e HIV, is the   virus that  affects a person from AIDS.  It is acquired immune deficiency syndrome which is characterised by reduction in the number of CD4 or helper T4–lymphocytes because of infection of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). It is also called slim disease. ARC is an AIDS related complex which is characterised by swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats and weight loss. AIDS was first detected in a homosexual male in U.S.A. (1981). ) Its virus was isolated by Montagnier et al (1983) in France and later by Gallo et al in the U.S.A. (1984).) In India the first AIDS case was reported in 1986. World AIDS Day is on 1st December.              

Meant By The Term Aids?

HIV is a type of virus that gets into the human body and reacts as a form of the disease that is called AIDS. The disease destroys the body’s cells and reduces the immune system’s power in the body. And which leads to diseases and infection in the human body. 

HIV(Human immunodeficiency Virus) Cause AIDS

• A retrovirus, HIV consists core of two single stranded RNA with reverse transcriptase enzyme surrounded by a protein capsid of two layers, inner P24 and outer P17 protein coats with incorporated glycoproteins (GP120 and GP41)
• Retrovirus uses reverse transcriptase to synthesise DNA from RNA; which is incorporated into the host’s DNA.
• GP120 combines with the CD4 receptor on T-helper cells which the virus affects.
• The normal T-cell count is 500/mm3, but falls below 200/mm3 in HIV infection.
• HIV thus causes immunogenic imbalance.
• Immune system collapses and patients die due to uncontrolled secondary infections.

Transmission

Having vaginal or anal sex with someone who has HIV 

• Sharing injection drug equipment (“works”), such as needles, with someone who has HIV.
• Having oral sex.
•  Receiving blood transfusions, blood products, or organ/tissue transplants that are contaminated with HIV. 
• Being bitten by a person with HIV. 
• Contact between broken skin, wounds, or mucous membranes and HIV-infected blood or blood-contaminated body fluids.
• Deep, open-mouth kissing if both partners have sores or bleeding gums and blood from the HIV-positive partner gets into the bloodstream of the HIV-negative partner. HIV is not spread through saliva.
• Eating food that has been pre-chewed by a person with HIV. 
• Sexual contact and infected blood contact are common means of transmission.
• From the infected mother to the foetus through placenta and through breast feeding.

Symptoms

•  Fever Chills
• Fatigue
• Illness
• Pain
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• Weight loss
• Night Sweating
• Swollen lymph nodes

Treatment of AIDS (HIV Virus) 

It includes the medicine prescribed by the doctor that helps in the disease of AIDS. Here we will discuss why HIV treatment is considered necessary for the patients. These are some drugs-

 Commonly used drugs are AZT (Azidothymidine) or Retrovir, DDI (Dideoxyinosine), DDC (Dideoxycytidine) and D4T (Stavudine). All drugs are nucleotide analogues, blocking the conversion of retroviral RNA to genes.

Other drugs are protease inhibitors like Saquinavir (Invirase), Indinavir and Ritonavir.  

Diagnosis for AIDS (Tests that a doctor will prescribe for the treatment of AIDS)

When you go to consult with the doctor, then  tests are there that he will prescribe you. Once infected, detectable antibody titre occurs within 6-8 weeks; which can be detected by ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) and confirmed by western blot test.

The oraquick diagnostic device used to detect AIDS in less than 20 minutes; uses less than a drop of blood and accuracy rate is 99.6%.

Conclusion

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is helpful in treating HIV and its consequences, but there is no treatment of AIDS. It aims to lower the amount of HIV in your body, maintain a strong immune system.We can see that many types of diseases can occur in the human body. Such human disorders can affect the body and let you suffer from many symptoms. These diseases will also reduce the power of your immune system and will make your body weak. So, look properly at the symptoms of AIDS. And try to consult with your doctor as soon as possible for the treatment of AIDS. Do not try to avoid the days because once the disease starts spreading in the human body, it will not stop spreading.