Jun 24, 2002 01:20 PM
4981 Views
(Updated Jun 24, 2002 01:20 PM)
AIDS
- Acquired immuno deficiency syndrome.
The name refers to that HIV which severely damages the patients disease fighting ability.
Aids was first detected in 1981 in united states but researches have traced cases to as early as 1959.Millions of AIDS case have been diagnosed world wide.
HOW AIDS AFFECTS THE BODY
AIDS is caused by two viruses that belong to a group called RETRO VIRUSES.HIV is one of the virus that belong to this group.
HIV infects white blood cells including T-HELPER cells and MACROPHAGES, that play key roles in functioning of the immune system. The virus Also inserts its genes into our cell's reproductive system and uses it to produce more HIV's.
SYMPTOMS:
HIV can be present in the body from 2 to 12 years or more without producing any sign of illness. An Infected person can transmit the virus to another person whether or not symptoms are present.
People infected form HIV eventually develop symptoms that also may be caused by less serious conditions. With HIV infection the symptoms are prolonged and often more severe.They include enlarged lymp glands, tiredness, fever, loss of appetite and weight, diarrhoea, yeast infections of the mouth and v*gina and night sweats.
In many patients, The virus infects the brain and nervous systems and causes memory disorders and co-ordination problems.
The leading cause of death of AIDS patients is PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII PNEUMONIA which infects OESOPHAGUS and causes severe pain when swallowing and results in weight loss and dehydration.
People with HIV are specially vulnerable to * tuberclulosis* because of their damaged immune system.
HOW HIV IS TRANSMITTED.
They are mainly three ways through which HIV is transmitted
sxual Intrcourse.
Direct contact with infected blood.
Transmission from an infected women to her feutus or baby
The most common way of becoming infected is through intimate sexual contact with an HIV infected person.HIV
is transmitted through all forms of sxual intrcourse including genital, anal and oral sex.
AIDS AROUND THE WORLD.
Almost every nation in the world is infected by HIV AIDS.
The largest number of HIV infected people live in Africa, India And South East Asia.
PREVENTION
To prevent transmission of AIDS virus intimate sxual contact with anyone who is or might be infected with the virus must be avoided.
Drug users should never use hypordermic needles.
HIV infected mothers should not breast feed thier infants (ie those who are infected post delivery.)
Use a condom.
