HIV Full Form – Human Immunodeficiency Virus: The full form of HIV is Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Immune cells are susceptible to HIV. It makes an individual more susceptible to other illnesses and infections. HIV is spread through sharing injection equipment or through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. HIV is spread most frequently during unprotected sex (sex without the use of a condom or HIV medication to prevent or treat HIV). HIV can develop into AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) if it is not treated. Human bodies are unable to rid themselves of HIV. There is no effective HIV treatment available today.
Antiretroviral therapy, also known as ART, is the only effective HIV treatment option. If taken as directed, HIV medication can significantly lower the viral load in the blood. This method is known as Viral suppression. It is referred to as having an undetectable viral load if a person’s viral load is so low that a typical lab cannot detect it. HIV-positive individuals can lead long, healthy lives and prevent the spread of the virus through sex to HIV-negative partners by taking their HIV medications as directed and maintaining an undetectable viral load.
Structure of HIV
- The structure of HIV is very complex. The HIV virus is covered with a lipid membrane, called Envelop. This Lipid membrane is originated from the plasma of the host cell which is infected. This cover carries out various glycoproteins and enters the host cell.
- There are some viral genetic materials that are surrounded by a protein shell. This protein shell is called Capasid. Capasid is made up of capasid protin. It works as a safeguard of viral RNA from degradation.
- HIV contains RNA virus. An enzyme, named reverse transcriptase, is comprised of this virus. This enzyme helps to convert viral RNA into DNA at the early stage of the infection.
- The single-stranded RNA of the HIV virus carries out necessary genetic information for replication and produces viral proteins.
- Single-stranded RNA is covered up by a matrix protein. it helps to stabilize the structure of the HIV virus.
Types of HIV
There are two types of HIV virus. They are :
- HIV-1, which is very common.
- HIV-2 and found in West Africa. Both are similar but have some genetic differences.
Replication of HIV
- At first, the virus attaches itself to the CD4+T cells and macrophages.
- After the attachment, the cover or envelope fuses into the membrane of the host cell.
- After entering to the host cell, the enzyme of the virus starts to reverse transcription.
- Newly synthesized DNA or proviral DNA enters the nucleus of the other host cell.
- After that proviral DNA transcripts serve as messenger RNA of viral protein.
- Then the RNA starts budding and mutating. This whole process repeats and infection starts spreading.
Transmission of HIV
When certain bodily fluids come in contact with particular entry points in the body, HIV can be transmitted through those bodily fluids.
The primary HIV transmission methods are
- Unprotected sexual contact, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex, is a way for HIV to be spread. The probability of HIV transmission during anal interactions is higher than it is during other types of sex.
- If vaginal fluids containing the virus come into direct contact with mucous membranes or open sores on the penis, vagina, or vulva, they can spread HIV from an HIV-positive partner to an HIV-negative partner.
- Comparatively speaking to anal or vaginal sex, oral sex carries a lower risk of HIV transmission. The possibility still exists, though.
- Sharing needles or syringes that have been contaminated with HIV-positive blood can spread the disease.
- Injuries from accidental needle sticks or contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids pose a risk of HIV transmission to healthcare workers.
- During gestation, childbirth, or breastfeeding, an HIV-positive mother’s child may contract the virus.
Symptoms of HIV
In the acute stage of HIV
- Flu-like symptoms,
- Exhaustion,
- A sore throat,
- swollen nodes,
- a headache,
- aches in the muscles and joints,
- a rash,
- vomiting or nauseous.
In the advanced stage of HIV
- Rapid loss of weight,
- diarrhea,
- ongoing fever,
- sweats at night,
- Fatigue,
- enlarged lymph nodes,
- Recurrent infections (such as thrush and pneumonia),
- ongoing cough,
- breathing difficulty,
- Bruises or skin sores,
- Symptoms of the nervous system such as memory loss,
- depression, and neuropathy.
Prevention
- It is possible to significantly lower the risk of HIV transmission by consistently and correctly using condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
- For the prevention of HIV and other blood-borne infections, drug users who inject should use sterile needles and syringes.
- For people who engage in high-risk behaviors in particular, routine HIV testing is imperative.
- Women who are expecting should receive prenatal care that includes antenatal HIV testing and counseling.
- Prevention efforts can be aided by advancing HIV education, increasing public knowledge of the risks of transmission, and addressing HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
FAQs on HIV
Q1: What is the full form of HIV?
Answer:
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
Q2: How does HIV transmit from one body to another?
Answer:
When certain bodily fluids come in contact with particular entry points in the body, HIV can be transmitted through those bodily fluids.
Q3: What is ART?
Answer:
Antiretroviral therapy, also known as ART, is the only effective HIV treatment option.
Q4: What are the primary symptoms of HIV?
Answer:
Flu-like symptoms, exhaustion, a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, a headache, aches in the muscles and joints, a rash, vomiting, or nausea are all the primary symptoms of HIV.
Q5: What is the primary precursor of HIV?
Answer:
Avoid using razors, toothbrushes, and needles and always use condoms during intercourse.