HIV involves:
Viral Infection: HIV infects CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, leading to systemic infection.
Immune System Impact: HIV impairs immune function by reducing CD4+ T cell counts and disrupting immune response.
Replication: HIV replicates inside host cells, mutating rapidly, which challenges treatment and vaccine development.
Complications: HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) if untreated, leading to opportunistic infections and cancers.
Clinical Evaluation
Symptoms: Assessment of symptoms such as fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and opportunistic infections.
Physical Examination: Examination findings may include signs of opportunistic infections and HIV-related malignancies.
Diagnostic Tests: HIV antibody tests, viral load tests, and CD4+ T cell counts to confirm infection and monitor disease progression.
Fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes (early HIV infection).
Opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis and candidiasis.
HIV-related cancers like Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoma.
Neurological symptoms in advanced stages (HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, HAD).
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is the cornerstone of treatment:
ART: Combination of antiretroviral drugs to suppress viral replication and restore immune function.
Preventive Measures: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk individuals to prevent HIV transmission.
Supportive Care: Treatment of opportunistic infections, management of complications, and adherence support.
Research: Ongoing research for HIV vaccines and cure strategies.