HIV - AIDS

HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus

• transmission is human to human.  
•  it causes a chronic, progressive disruption of the immune system.
•  caused by the human immunodeficiency viruses 1 (HIV 1) and 2 (HIV 2).

Acquired through:

1. mother - child transmission
2. blood & blood products
3.  sexual transmission

 Fluids of Transmission:

1. blood and blood products
2. semen
3. vaginal fluid
4. breast milk

High-risk Groups for HIV Transmission:

1. Homosexual or bisexual men
2. (I.V.) intravenous drug users
3. Transfusion and blood-products recipients
4. Heterosexual contacts of HIV-positive individuals
5. Newborn babies of mothers who are HIV-positive and not taking antiretroviral medication

AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

• most severe form of a continuum of illness associated with HIV infection.
• usually appear years after exposure to HIV due to declining immunity without HIV treatment.
• leading to development of frequent infections, severe opportunistic infections, and malignancies.