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HIV
HIV
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus, that can make DNA from RNA using reverse
transcriptase. It weakens a person's immune system by destroying T helper cells.
HIV uses its genetic material to instruct the host cell to produce
the materials needed to make new HIV.
Normally lymphocytes seek out and destroy pathogens that enter the body, producing antibodies
that attach to pathogens and enhancing phagocytic activity. However, when HIV enters the
bloodstream and circulates around the body, it avoids being recognised and destroyed by
lymphocytes by repeatedly changing its protein coat.
HIV interferes with the function of the T-helper cells, and lowers the volume available, this results in
a lack of B cells or cytotoxic T cells. Memory cells can also be infected and destroyed and therefore
the body’s immune response becomes greatly weakened, allowing diseases to become more deadly
as they are unable to be countered. (1,2,3)
Within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV, about two-thirds of people will have a flu-like illness.
This is the body’s natural response to HIV infection. Flu-like symptoms can include: Fever, chills,
fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and mouth ulcers. (3)
The ELISA test (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) uses antibodies to detect the presence and
quantity of a protein. An antibody that is specific to the antigen we are trying to detect is added,
allowing them to bind together, and the excess antibodies are then washed off. A second antibody
containing an enzyme then binds with the first and the colourless substrate of the enzyme is added,
which changes it into a coloured product, and the amount of the antigen present is determined by
the intensity of the colour. This technique is used to detect HIV and other pathogens such as
tuberculosis and hepatitis, it is also used when testing for drugs and the amount present.
Antibiotics inhibit certain enzymes required for the synthesis and assembly of the peptide cross-
linkages in bacterial cell walls, which weakens the walls and makes them unable to withstand
pressure, which causes the bacteria to die. Viruses however rely on the host cells and don’t have
their own metabolic pathways and cell structures; therefore, antibiotics are ineffective against them.
Furthermore, they have a protein coat rather than a murein cell wall and therefore do not have sites
where antibiotics can work. Also the antibiotics can’t reach them.
HIV is treated with antiretroviral medicines, which work by stopping the virus replicating in the body.
This allows the immune system to repair itself and prevent further damage. A combination of HIV
drugs is used because HIV can quickly adapt and become resistant.(4) – nhs
Antivirals can: Block receptors so viruses can’t bind to and enter healthy cells, boost the immune
system, helping it fight off a viral infection and lower the viral load in the body.