HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
HIV is a viral infection that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 T-cells that help fight infections.
Without treatment, it progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
Early diagnosis and consistent antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress viral load, protect immunity, and enable near-normal life expectancy.
Overview And Clinical Background
Chronic viral infection with immune suppression
HIV spreads through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child.
It integrates into host DNA, leading to gradual immune depletion.
ART halts replication, allowing immune restoration and preventing AIDS progression.
- Virus type: Retrovirus with two strains — HIV-1 (global) and HIV-2 (mainly in West Africa).
- Transmission routes: Unprotected sex, shared needles, blood transfusion, and vertical transmission.
- Untreated infection eventually weakens defense against opportunistic infections and cancers.
Symptoms, Signs And Presentation
Initial infection may mimic flu-like symptoms, followed by a long asymptomatic phase.
As immune decline progresses, recurrent infections and weight loss appear.
- Acute phase: Fever, sore throat, rash, fatigue, and lymph node swelling.
- Chronic phase: Recurrent infections, oral thrush, night sweats, and weight loss.
- Advanced stage (AIDS): Severe immune deficiency with opportunistic infections and malignancies.
Diagnosis Methods And Investigations
Laboratory confirmation and viral load tracking
Diagnosis uses antibody and antigen testing.
Once confirmed, CD4 count and viral load guide treatment and monitoring.
Early testing helps control community spread.
- Screening tests: ELISA, rapid antibody tests, and Western blot for confirmation.
- Monitoring: CD4 count, viral load, and liver function every 3–6 months.
- Resistance testing ensures correct antiretroviral selection if treatment failure occurs.
Treatment Options And Surgical Techniques
No cure exists, but ART suppresses viral replication to undetectable levels.
Combination therapy with 3 or more drugs ensures long-term viral control.
Stem cell transplantation has shown rare functional cures but remains experimental.
- Standard therapy: Combination ART with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors plus one integrase or protease inhibitor.
- Supportive care: Nutritional support, infection prophylaxis, and vaccination updates.
- Stem cell transplant from CCR5-negative donors explored in special cases.
Recovery, Risks And Prognosis
With strict ART adherence, life expectancy approaches that of uninfected individuals.
Missing doses can cause viral rebound and resistance.
Regular monitoring ensures sustained immune recovery and viral suppression.
Why Choose Us
CureU Healthcare’s infectious disease program offers confidential testing, ART management, counseling, and long-term follow-up.
We emphasize patient education, adherence, and holistic immune support.
Conclusion
HIV management focuses on early diagnosis, continuous ART, and lifestyle adaptation.
With proper care, individuals can live full, productive lives free from AIDS progression.
