Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has infected approximately 38 million people as of 2020, making it one of the most serious global health and development challenges [1]. This is due to the fact that plenty of patients are unaware that they have HIV, leading the virus to be untreated. This is hazardous because HIV leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Individuals suffering from AIDS have a compromised immune system, meaning that they are unable to fight off future infections, which could eventually result in death [2,3].
HIV is an RNA retrovirus, which means that it uses reverse transcriptase to translate its viral RNA to DNA, instead of the common path from DNA to RNA (more information here). HIV specifically attacks CD4+ cells, a type of T-cell. Once inside the T-cell, the HIV’s RNA is transformed into viral DNA, which is then inserted into the T-cell’s DNA - hijacking the cell’s machinery (this process is called viral integrase) [2]. When the immune system tries to fight HIV, it produces more CD4+ cells, which in return makes more cells available for infection. This makes HIV challenging to cure.
HIV can be transmitted to others through sexual intercourse, injection equipment, occupational exposure, and organ transplants [2-4], and to babies, through pregnancy or breast-feeding [4]. The correct use of condoms, abstaining from needle sharing, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are three effective methods to prevent HIV. When in doubt of an infection, there are many quick, free, and painless tests available! For more information, check out this HIV risk reduction tool by CDC, or ask your health care provider.
The correct use of condoms and abstaining from needle sharing are effective methods to prevent HIV transmission. There are also preventative measures used by people at high risk of being exposed to HIV: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PrEP is used as an ongoing treatment to prevent infection before exposure [5]. For example, in a couple where one person is HIV+ the other should take PrEP in case other preventive measures fail (e.g. if the condom breaks). On the other hand, PEP is meant to be used as an emergency treatment, because it is more effective within 72 hours after possible exposure [6].
Even though HIV is a difficult virus to cure, there are medications and treatments that already exist to help infected individuals recover their healthy immune system and protect their loved ones. Stay tuned for the next post where these treatments will be discussed further!
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Written by: Hedi
Edited by: María and Natasha
BioDecoded is a volunteer group committed to sharing accurate scientific information. We cannot offer any specific health advice. If you have any doubts about your personal health, please speak with your healthcare professional or family physician. Your doctor can revise your medical history and advise you on the best path to follow. If you have any questions about this topic or would like to learn more, please comment below or send us your questions.
References:
Dear Colleagues | World AIDS Day 2020 | Center for Global Health. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/resources/dcl/2020/dear-colleagues-world-aids-day-2020.html (Accessed September 12, 2022).
Simon V, Ho DD, Abdool Karim Q. HIV/AIDS epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment. Lancet. 2006;368(9534):489. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16890836/
Levy JA. HIV pathogenesis and long-term survival. AIDS. 1993;7(11):1401-1410. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8280406/
HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS | CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html (Accessed September 12, 2022).
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) | CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/clinicians/prevention/prep.html (Accessed October 13, 2022).
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) | CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/clinicians/prevention/prep-and-pep.html (Accessed October 13, 2022).
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