NAME: ABDUSALIM, MOHAMMAD DIRHAM U.

BSPh 3 – B
Identify the Etiology, Definition, Types/kinds/classes, Signs and symptoms, Risk factors,
Diagnostic Test, Treatment and Prevention of HIV/STI/AIDS.
Etiology:
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome). It is primarily transmitted through certain body fluids, such
as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common modes of
transmission include unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes, and
mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Definition:
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells),
which are crucial for fighting off infections. When the immune system is severely
damaged, the person becomes more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain
types of cancer, leading to the development of AIDS.
Types/Kinds/Classes:
HIV is classified into two main types: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the most
widespread and virulent type, while HIV-2 is less common and generally less aggressive.
Within each type, there are multiple subtypes or strains that can differ genetically.
Signs and Symptoms:
The symptoms of HIV can vary among individuals and may not appear immediately
after infection. Some common early symptoms may include fever, fatigue, swollen lymph
nodes, sore throat, rash, and muscle and joint aches. As the infection progresses, more
severe symptoms may arise, such as weight loss, persistent diarrhea, night sweats,
recurrent infections, and opportunistic diseases.
Risk Factors:
Several factors can increase the risk of HIV/STI transmission, including:
1. Unprotected sexual intercourse, especially with multiple partners or high-risk
individuals.
2. Sharing needles or syringes for drug use or medical procedures.
3. Receiving contaminated blood transfusions or organ transplants (rare in countries with
strict screening protocols).
4. Vertical transmission from an HIV-positive mother to her child during childbirth or
breastfeeding.
5. Having other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as they can increase susceptibility
to HIV transmission.
Diagnostic Tests:
The diagnosis of HIV involves specific laboratory tests. The most common tests
include:
1. HIV antibody test: Detects antibodies produced by the immune system in response to
HIV infection. It can take several weeks to months for antibodies to be detectable.
2. Antigen/antibody test: Detects both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen produced by
the virus. It can detect infection earlier than the antibody test alone.
3. Nucleic acid tests (NAT): Detects the genetic material (RNA) of the virus. These tests
are highly sensitive and used in early detection, confirmation, and monitoring.
Treatment:
While there is no cure for HIV, effective treatment can control the virus and prevent
the progression to AIDS. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the standard treatment for HIV.
ART involves a combination of medications that suppress viral replication, reduce the viral
load, and boost the immune system. Treatment adherence is crucial to maintain viral
suppression and prevent drug resistance.
Prevention:
Prevention strategies for HIV/STI/AIDS include:
1. Safe sex practices: Using condoms consistently and correctly, reducing the number of
sexual partners, and getting tested regularly for STIs.
2. Harm reduction programs: Providing sterile needles and syringes to reduce the risk of
HIV transmission among people who inject drugs.
3. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission: Administering antiretroviral drugs to HIV-
positive pregnant women, delivering by C-section when necessary, and avoiding
breastfeeding when alternatives are available.
4. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): HIV-negative individuals at high risk can take
antiretroviral medication regularly to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.
5. post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): After potential exposure to HIV, immediate treatment
with antiretro