HIV infection
HIV infection is a disease that causes the human immunodeficiency virus. It is characterized by acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which provokes the occurrence of malignant tumors and secondary infections, since the protective functions of the body are deeply suppressed. At the moment, a pandemic of this disease is being recorded in the world, and the increase in morbidity among the world’s population, and especially in Europe, is steadily increasing.
Causes of HIV infection
The source, as well as the reservoir of HIV infection, is a person who is a carrier of the virus and someone who suffers from this disease. So far, no natural reservoirs of this disease have been found, although there is an assumption that wild chimpanzees may be a possible carrier of this virus. All other animals are immune to this virus.
In high concentrations, the virus is found in the blood, menstrual secretions and semen. In lacrimal secretions and breast milk, the virus is no longer in such high concentrations and is less dangerous.
The risk of transmission of infection increases with contact with damage to the mucous membranes or skin. The infection is transmitted naturally, with the help of a contact mechanism (sexual intercourse) and artificially, with blood transfusion or other medical procedures that have a traumatic nature.
With a single contact with a carrier, the risk of infection is not so high, but with regular sexual contact with infected people, it increases significantly. There is a risk of transmission of infection from mother to child during intrauterine development, in some cases, transmission with breast milk has been recorded.
During contact and everyday communication, the virus cannot be transmitted. A person has an extremely high susceptibility to HIV infection. Although, in some cases, there may be immunity to this disease, which is caused by the specifics of immunoglobulin A, which is located on the mucous genitals.
Symptoms of HIV infection
The symptoms of the disease vary depending on its stage.
Incubation stage, from several weeks to a year. The virus is multiplying, but there is no immune response to it yet. The period ends with either the appearance of HIV antibodies in the blood, or an acute infection.
Primary manifestations, when there is an active response of the body to the presence of infection, can occur without pronounced symptoms. Also, as in the first stage, acute infection is noted, without secondary pathologies. It can have various clinical signs, including fever, skin rashes, diarrhea, etc. Acute infection continues for about a few weeks, after which, as a rule, a latent stage occurs.
The latent period is an irreversible increase in immunodeficiency, when there is a mass death of immune cells and their active reproduction. There are no characteristic symptoms of this stage.
Secondary diseases are the next stage in the development of HIV infection, when concomitant infections are actively developing. It can last a significant period of time, up to two decades.
Diagnosis of HIV infection
Virological, serological examination, monitoring of the state of the immune status.
Treatment of HIV infection
Control of neoplasms, immune status of the human body and treatment of secondary infections.
The main direction of modern medicine in the treatment of this disease is the appointment of drugs that reduce the reproductive abilities of the virus. They are prescribed almost for life, and the success of their use depends on the regularity of reception.
