Symptoms of HIV in the early stages. The first symptoms of hiv and AIDS. What kind of disease is this
For several decades in a row, one of the most dangerous viruses is immunodeficiency. The danger of infection lies in the fact that after entering the body for several years, a person may not even suspect that he is a carrier of the virus. At the same time, the virus confidently in a latent form undermines the protective functionality of the immune system, making the body very vulnerable to all third-party infections. According to statistics, the majority of patients, after confirming the diagnosis of HIV, in desperation refuse to fight and use maintenance therapy, thereby bringing the terminal stage closer. The only way to prevent infection is to take care of your health and have a safe sex life. Timely detection of the virus at an early stage and the use of special therapy helps to increase life expectancy without losing its quality. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to any symptoms that arise.
HIV is a very complex virus that, once it enters the body, long time does not make itself felt, thereby aggravating the clinical picture. If after intercourse or other manipulation that is directly related to blood (a needle prick on the street, blood donation, surgery, etc.), a man has suspicions, then it is best to do an express analysis.
Attention! You should not rely on the results of the first HIV test, since the virus is latent for a long time and may not be confirmed even by a laboratory test. In this case, it is recommended to undergo a second express test after a certain period of time and make sure that there is no virus.
The analysis carried out can confirm the diagnosis only six months after infection, so two tests are necessary with an interval of six months. Despite the inability to determine the presence of a virus in the body, the first minor symptoms of the disease may appear in the latent period. Moreover, medical studies have shown that the symptoms of the virus in men are more pronounced than in women. Complications of timely diagnosis to the extent of symptoms may lie in the similarity of viral signs with symptoms of colds, flu and other ARVI ailments.
It is important! The HIV virus can even manifest itself as a banal overwork, therefore, with atypical manifestations, it is best to go for tests.
When cold symptoms occur, a larger percentage of men try to alleviate the symptoms on their own and not visit a specialist. However, doctors, collecting a patient's history, may be mistaken in making a diagnosis. Thus, the prescribed treatment can only temporarily alleviate the condition, but not eliminate the root cause. Consequently, the virus will make itself felt, but in the form of new signs.
The end of the latent period may be characterized by a complex of typical HIV symptoms. In the first months, the man has manifestations of infectious diseases. Therefore, if a man leads a promiscuous sex life, and at the same time often and for a long time suffers from colds, then the possibility of HIV infection cannot be ruled out. The following symptoms should not be ignored:
- body temperature is kept within 37 degrees;
- observed at night elevated level sweating;
- persistent mild cough caused by a sore throat;
- indigestion;
- uncharacteristic weight loss;
- excessive fatigue even after minor exertion.
Is it dangerous! HIV is difficult to diagnose, so in most cases cold symptoms are treated.
Main symptoms at an early stage
The carrier of the virus notes a slight increase in temperature, which is accompanied by a feverish state. It is characteristic that the patient feels unwell throughout the latent period.
This condition is explained by a typical reaction of the body: the immune system begins to actively produce white blood cells, which in turn try to eliminate the pathogenic virus. As a result, the man has a temperature of about 37-38 degrees, which does not disappear for a month. If such a symptom is present, then you should immediately go to the doctor. Additional symptoms may be uncharacteristic before this dizziness, lack of appetite, nausea.
The main symptom that misleads both the specialist and the wearer himself is a clear cough with signs of a sore throat. This symptom occurs through an inflammatory process that is activated in the lymphoid tissue of the tonsils. It is this symptom that prompts the treatment of a cold infection or flu. A specialist notices a diagnosis error when, after fourteen days, the patient's condition does not improve (it is standard that a cold lasts no more than 7-10 days).
Prolonged diarrhea is the second clear sign of HIV infection in the body. If the intestinal disorder lasts more than a month, then it is necessary to go for an examination, because dysbacteriosis and other gastrointestinal disorders cannot be observed for so long. Diarrhea is accompanied by a lack of appetite, resulting in increased weight loss.
Symptoms after a few years
While the virus is in a latent form, there are no obvious manifestations of it, but after a few months, a year, a couple of years, a man feels uncomfortable changes.
| Symptoms that appear at an early stage (immediately after the latent period) | Symptoms after a year | Symptoms after three years |
|---|---|---|
| Alarming signs of immunodeficiency may be absent or manifest as an acute cold infection. The most common symptoms of the first stage include: Mental disorders, which manifest themselves as constant irritability, a state of apathy, depression; | This period of time is the incubation period. After the manifestation of the first signs of HIV, which are similar to cold symptoms, there comes a period of absence of any viral manifestations. At this stage, it is impossible to independently diagnose the virus, only a specialized examination is required. | It is very difficult to determine how long the incubation period will end - it can happen in a year, two or three. At this stage, enlarged lymph nodes are felt in a man, especially in the inguinal region. Thus begins generalized lymphadenopathy. Additionally, after an increase in lymph nodes, the following symptoms are observed: Neoplasms appear on the skin throughout the body in the form of red-violet swelling (clearly manifested in men); |
How the symptoms of HIV appear after infection and what signs are typical for men can be found in the video.
Video - HIV symptoms in men
Acute viral disease
Infectious mononucleosis - it is with this disease that the symptoms of the acute stage in HIV are compared. Among the pronounced signs are the following:
- For a long time (up to one month), the temperature remains within 38 degrees, while after taking the antipyretic, there is no decrease.
- IN inguinal zone and neck area markedly increased lymph nodes. It is distinctive that the large size of the lymph nodes is not characterized by soreness even when pressed on them.
- Cold symptoms persist (namely cough, sore throat, stuffy nose).
- Under the influence of the virus, the carrier undergoes mental changes, he begins to lose interest in life, apathy and irritability set in.
- The general condition is characterized by chronic fatigue and lethargy.
- At night, increased sweating occurs, which is not the norm in a healthy person.
- A clear red rash appears on the skin, but this symptom does not always appear and is not temporary.
Attention! You can not ignore the above symptoms and continue to have an active sex life without barrier contraceptives. All this time, the carrier infects new people without even knowing it. Therefore, in order to protect others and continue to lead an active lifestyle, it is necessary to undergo a rapid test to detect HIV infection every six months.
How long does it take for HIV to show up?
Quite a few years may pass from the moment the virus enters the body to the moment the recession is activated, in this case everything will depend on the individual characteristics of each organism. Scientists noted that in some the disease makes itself felt after a year, while in others the latent form can drag on for a dozen. The average period of time through which HIV passes into the stage of AIDS is determined at 10-12 years.
If we talk about how long it takes to find out about HIV infection, then basically, after the virus enters the body, one month passes and the patient begins to be disturbed by cold symptoms. The primary stage is characterized by chills, enlarged lymph nodes, soreness in the muscles, and a slight increase in temperature. The listed symptoms should be remembered and, if they are detected, urgently go for testing.
It is one of the most terrible pathologies at the moment. Firstly, because until that time a medicine has not been invented that can completely heal a person from this pathology. And, secondly, because in the early stages of development it is very difficult to detect. An incubation stage, a brief outbreak of an acute infection that masquerades as common colds, and a long latency period - this is how this disease develops.
And already when, after 8-10 years of the latent period, the initial stage of AIDS develops, it becomes very difficult to help a person fight secondary diseases and live a full life. Therefore, it is very important to try to detect HIV on early stages its development and start fighting this pathology in time. For timely diagnosis, it is necessary to clearly understand how HIV (AIDS) manifests itself in the early stages. All the symptoms that can be found in a person are described further.
HIV incubation stage
This is the first stage of HIV infection, it is characterized by the complete absence of all symptoms. While the immunodeficiency virus has not gained a foothold in the body, it is very problematic to detect it. the only feature pathology at this time is the appearance of antibodies, therefore, it is possible to detect immunodeficiency only by finding the virus itself, its antigens or gene material.
This stage lasts about three months, but may be much less in some categories of the population. Amazing Fact, but the duration of the latent period is directly proportional to the strength of human immunity. That is, the more T-lymphocytes in the body, and the more active they are, the faster the first symptoms of HIV infection will appear. However, the value of this period does not in any way depend on the method of penetration of the retrovirus into the body, it will still enter the bloodstream and begin its destructive activity. But the number of infected cells that have entered the body has little effect: the more of them, the less the latent period lasts.
Early symptoms of the initial stage of HIV
It is important to understand how to recognize HIV in the early stages, because then the disease will go into a long latent period and will undermine the body from the inside. About 70% of patients go through this stage of acute infection, the rest will have practically no symptoms, and immunodeficiency will flow into a latent period. It is necessary to focus on the following conditions that may occur at this stage of the development of the disease:
- fever;
- cough;
- sore throat (tonsillitis);
- rash (spots, pustules, papules);
- furunculosis;
- fungal lesions of the nail plate;
- vomit;
- diarrhea;
- headache;
- pain in muscles and joints;
- a sharp weight loss is possible (by 10% of the total body weight or more);
- neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, decreased visual acuity, dullness of emotions, unsteady gait, forgetfulness, inappropriate behavior.
Most of these symptoms are general and are not necessarily early signs of HIV. Therefore, if there was unprotected intercourse or any medical intervention, then it is necessary to diagnose HIV in the early stages.
Symptoms of the initial stage of AIDS
In the early period, these signs appear in most cases and allow you to accurately establish the diagnosis.
Increased temperature with increased sweating at night. By itself, this symptom is most often a characteristic difference between colds or flu, but in combination with others, it most likely indicates stage 1 of AIDS.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes, which begin to form painful swelling. First of all, you should pay attention to the tonsils, nodes in the groin, posterior cervical, near the collarbone and armpits. Such inflammation is almost always a symptom of HIV in the early stages; photos of enlarged nodes can be easily found on the Internet. Characterized by inflammation of not one, but several nodes of the same group (an exception may be inguinal), and this lasts most often for more than three months.
Rash on the body in the form of small sores. Most often, these first symptoms of the initial stage of HIV, photos of which can be seen below, are localized in the mouth and in the genital area. They can form both on the skin and on the mucous membranes.
Features of HIV symptoms in men and women at the initial stage
It is believed that men live more actively and pay less attention to their health, so the symptoms of stage 1 HIV infection are detected earlier in them, but are more vague. Often during the survey you can hear the following phrase: "I thought it was just a cold." And their unwillingness to see a doctor and denial of the seriousness of the problem most often leads to the fact that immunodeficiency is diagnosed quite late.
Women, on the other hand, are more reverent about their health, and their disease usually develops more slowly. In addition to the general symptoms at the initial stage of the manifestation of HIV infection, vaginal discharge with a mucous consistency and painful menstruation can be detected. Also, to a greater extent, compared with men, the lymph nodes in the groin area increase. Women more often than men feel psychological discomfort at the initial (primary) stage of HIV (AIDS), photos of carriers of the disease, as a rule, only exacerbate these feelings. It can be depression, anxiety, insomnia. Some women may show breast enlargement and redistribution of fat in the abdominal region. All these signs may indicate the presence of a retrovirus in the body.
Can HIV (AIDS) be cured in the early stages?
Antiretroviral drugs are used to treat HIV infection in the early stages, which inhibit the activity of the virus in the body. This stops the negative impact on the immune system, which, in turn, continues to protect the body from deadly diseases.
The therapeutic course is selected for each patient individually, depending on the course of the disease, the general state of immunity and the presence of other diseases. The severity of immunodeficiency is also taken into account, because at the beginning of therapy, before signs of disease progression appear, the treatment may not be as effective.
But can HIV be cured in the early stages? Unfortunately, at the current stage of development of pharmacology and other branches of medicine, it is impossible to completely cure the pathology. But scientists continue to look for ways to defeat this terrible and widespread disease, and perhaps soon someone will answer yes to the question of whether HIV (AIDS) is treated in the early stages.
In our time, only a single case of a complete recovery of a patient with such a diagnosis is known. But there was a complete replacement of the part of the bone marrow responsible for the production of immune cells. At this stage, it is not possible for patients to perform such operations.
But it is still desirable to identify (determine) and start treating HIV at an early stage in order to live as long as possible in the future. Yes, you will have to take medication constantly. Will have to give up the majority bad habits and switch to a healthy lifestyle. You will need continuous monitoring of your health and timely treatment of concomitant secondary pathologies. But under such conditions, doctors guarantee that patients will live to a ripe old age, even if there is an immunodeficiency virus in their body.
It is important to remember that the signs (symptoms) of HIV (AIDS) at an early stage are not clearly expressed, and photos of sick people can be found on the Internet. This will serve as motivation and push to undergo a screening examination. At the slightest suspicion, you should consult a doctor. Also, do not forget about the prevention of this pathology and use contraceptives such as condoms. If this method of protection is unacceptable for any reason, then you should familiarize yourself with other methods of prevention.
And although this common disease is considered incurable, most patients live a fairly long life. Therefore, if AIDS has been diagnosed, there is no need to despair, but therapeutic procedures should be started as soon as possible. In cases where any of the above symptoms are found, it is recommended to pass the necessary tests to determine the virus in the body.
Most often, HIV infection is diagnosed only at the stage of secondary manifestations, when the symptoms of trouble become apparent. Signs at the stage of primary manifestations are often expressed erased, quickly disappear. Infected people do not attach importance to them. On the other hand, sometimes it is not possible to identify the cause of the initial symptoms.
The human immunodeficiency virus is a retrovirus that causes HIV infection. Depending on the clinical signs of HIV infection, the following stages are distinguished:
- incubation period.
- Primary manifestations:
acute infection;
asymptomatic infection;
generalized lymphadenopathy. - secondary manifestations.
damage to the skin and mucous membranes;
persistent damage to internal organs;
generalized diseases. - Terminal stage.
The primary signs of HIV infection are the same in men and women. It is only with the appearance of secondary symptoms that a diagnosis of HIV infection is suspected. At the stage of secondary manifestations, the features of the course of the disease in people of different sexes are formed.
How long does it take for HIV to show up?
The very first symptoms of HIV infection, often unnoticed, appear between 4 months and 5 years after infection.
The first signs of secondary manifestations of HIV infection can occur in the range from 5 months to many years after infection.
Incubation period
For some time after infection, the disease does not manifest itself in any way. This period is called the incubation period and lasts from 4 months to 5 years or more. At this time, the patient does not have any abnormalities in the analyzes, including serological, hematological and immunological. A person is outwardly perfectly healthy, but he poses a danger as a source of infection for other people.
Some time after infection, the acute stage of the disease begins. At this stage, it is already possible to suspect HIV infection by certain clinical signs.
Acute infection
At the stage of acute HIV infection, the patient's body temperature rises to febrile values, the tonsils and cervical lymph nodes increase. In general, this symptom complex resembles that of infectious mononucleosis.The most common first manifestation of HIV infection are symptoms resembling. A person without apparent reason the temperature rises to 38 ° C and above, inflammation of the tonsils appears (), lymph nodes (usually cervical) become inflamed. The reason for the increase in temperature is often not possible to establish, it does not decrease after taking antipyretics and antibiotics. At the same time, there is a sharp weakness, weakness, mainly at night. The patient is worried about headache, loss of appetite, sleep is disturbed.
When examining a patient, one can determine an increase in the liver and, which is accompanied by complaints of heaviness in the hypochondria, aching pains in the same place. A small maculopapular rash appears on the skin in the form of small pale pink spots, sometimes merging into larger formations. A prolonged bowel disorder appears in the form.
In blood tests, with this variant of the onset of the disease, an increased level of leukocytes, lymphocytes is determined, and atypical mononuclear cells are detected.
This variant of the first symptoms of HIV infection is observed in 30% of patients.
In other cases, acute infection may present with serous or encephalitis. These conditions are characterized by intense headache, often nausea and vomiting, fever.
Sometimes the first symptom of HIV infection is inflammation of the esophagus - esophagitis, accompanied by chest pain, swallowing disorders.
Other nonspecific symptoms of the disease are also possible, as well as an oligosymptomatic course. The duration of this stage ranges from several days to 2 months, after which all signs of the disease disappear again. Antibodies to HIV at this stage may also not be detected.
Stage of asymptomatic carriage
At this stage, there are no clinical signs of infection, but antibodies to HIV are already detected in the blood. If the damage to the immune system is insignificant, then this stage can last for many years. Within 5 years after infection, the next stages of HIV infection develop only in 20-30% of those infected. In some patients, the carrier stage, on the contrary, is very short (about a month).
Generalized lymphadenopathy
Generalized lymphadenopathy - an increase in the lymph nodes of two or more groups, not counting the inguinal. It may be the first symptom of HIV if the previous stages were erased.
Most often, the cervical lymph nodes are affected, especially those located on the back of the neck. In addition, the lymph nodes above the collarbone, axillary, in the elbow and popliteal fossae may increase. Inguinal lymph nodes increase less frequently and later than others.
Lymph nodes increase in size from 1 to 5 cm or more, they are mobile, painless, not soldered to the skin. The surface of the skin above them is not changed.
At the same time, there are no other causes of enlarged lymph nodes (infectious diseases, taking medications), so such lymphadenopathy is sometimes mistakenly regarded as difficult to explain.
The stage of enlarged lymph nodes lasts 3 months or more. Gradually, at this stage, body weight begins to decrease.
Secondary manifestations
The occurrence of secondary manifestations may be the first sign of HIV infection, even if many years have passed since infection. The most common conditions are:
- Pneumocystis pneumonia.
A person's body temperature rises, a cough appears, initially dry, and then with sputum. Occurs and then at rest. The general condition worsens. Such pneumonia is difficult to treat with traditional antibiotics. - Kaposi's sarcoma.
This is a tumor that develops from the lymphatic vessels. It is more common in young men. Kaposi's sarcoma is externally manifested by the formation of many small cherry-colored tumors on the head, trunk, limbs, and in the oral cavity. - Generalized infection (candidiasis,).
Generalized infectious diseases are more common in women. This is mainly due to the fact that HIV-infected women are most often prostitutes or promiscuous. At the same time, they very often become infected with vaginal candidiasis and herpes. The emergence of HIV infection leads to the spread and severe course of these diseases. - The defeat of the nervous system, manifested primarily by a decrease in memory. In the future, a progressive one develops.
Features of the first signs of HIV infection in women
In women, the symptoms of HIV are menstrual cycle and diseases of the genital organs. Women are significantly more likely than men to have secondary manifestations such as herpes, cytomegalovirus infection and vaginal candidiasis, as well as candidal esophagitis.
In addition, at the stage of secondary manifestations, the first signs of the disease may be, inflammatory diseases pelvic organs, most often acute. Diseases of the cervix, such as carcinoma or dysplasia, may be observed.
Features of HIV infection in children
In children infected with HIV in utero, there are features in the course of the disease. Children get sick in the first 4-6 months after birth. Main and early symptom disease is a lesion of the central nervous system. The child lags behind in weight, physical and mental development. He cannot sit, his speech develops with a lag. A child infected with HIV is prone to various purulent diseases and intestinal dysfunction.
Which doctor to contact
If you suspect HIV infection, you should contact an infectious disease specialist. The analysis can be submitted anonymously at the Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS, which is available in every region. There, doctors give advice on all issues related to HIV infection and AIDS. In case of secondary diseases, a pulmonologist (for pneumonia), a dermatologist (for Kaposi's sarcoma), a gynecologist (for diseases of the genital organs in women), a hepatologist (for often concomitant viral hepatitis), a neurologist (for brain damage) are included in the treatment. Infected children are observed not only by an infectious disease specialist, but also by a pediatrician.
A person can accurately know about infection a few months after the pathogen enters the bloodstream. The virus only takes root in CD4+ cells, and people are already dangerous to others.
HIV manifests itself after a certain period, the duration of which varies for each infected person, depending on the initial immune status. Symptoms of HIV, AIDS appear after a few months, in drug addicts or in patients with severe immunodeficiency - later.
Also very important is the duration of the asymptomatic phase, when a person does not notice the symptoms of immunodeficiency. Before immunity begins to decline rapidly, you can live up to 20 years. In Russia, on average, people with this diagnosis live for about 12 years.
How long does it take for the first symptoms of HIV infection to appear?
During the incubation period, the virus tries to invade CD4+ cells, and the immune system responds by producing antibodies. In each organism, they are produced at different times, depending on the initial immune status.
HIV cannot be diagnosed after a week, because the antibodies are not yet in the blood in sufficient quantities. Experts recommend donating blood 3 months after the alleged infection. control test carried out after another 90 days.
Symptoms of HIV the day after infection will never appear, but this does not mean that a person is not a source of infection. Although the viral load is small, the pathogen can be transmitted. This period is the most dangerous, because the patient may not be aware of the disease.
How long does it take for HIV (AIDS) to show up after being infected? Symptoms are not pronounced, similar to a flu-like condition or SARS:
- elevated temperature;
- Malaise;
- Drowsiness.
These symptoms of HIV may occur in 2-3-4 months, six months, a year later, or they will not appear at all during the incubation period. It is impossible to visually identify an infected person, because a “cold” does not arouse suspicion.
How long does it take for HIV to cause acute symptoms?
The second stage in some cases is characterized by an asymptomatic course. At this point, antibodies accumulate to the concentration required for diagnosis. The disease is accurately determined using laboratory methods.
How long does it take for HIV to show up (after infection) with acute symptoms? In more than half of those infected, after 3-5 months, the following phase occurs, which is characterized by:
- An increase in temperature;
- cough;
- weight loss;
- diarrhea;
- Skin rashes;
How long do HIV symptoms last? This phase is short, lasting up to several weeks. Symptoms are not all at the same time - one patient has no more than two signs of the disease. In almost all carriers of the virus, the liver and spleen increase during this period.
These symptoms of HIV may occur after a year - they are pronounced as the viral load increases and immunity falls. Often experts confuse them with mononucleosis-like and rubella-like syndromes. This is due to the presence of mononuclear bodies in the blood test.
The manifestation of symptoms of HIV - an acute phase with the addition of secondary infections
Approximately 15% of people in the third phase develop diseases that are more typical for the last stages, but thanks to immunity, they can be treated.
At this stage, such infectious and viral diseases occur:
- bacterial sore throat;
- Herpes.
More often, symptoms of HIV disappear after three weeks, but the acute stage can drag on for up to a year. If secondary diseases are not manifested or manifested in a mild degree, a person, as a rule, does not seek qualified help.
Timely prescribed therapy is important for their treatment - then the concentration of the virus decreases, and the immune status returns to "normal". The next stage is the latent one.
HIV symptoms 2 years after infection
The period of subclinical manifestations is quite long - an average of 6-7 years. Sometimes infected people do not feel any changes for 10-15 years.
How long does it take for HIV to show up at this stage? The number of CD4+ cells is rapidly decreasing, therefore, lymphadenopathy is observed - an increase in several groups of lymph nodes at the same time, not including the inguinal ones.
This symptom can appear at any time, and how long HIV, AIDS manifests itself with the addition of concomitant diseases depends on the characteristics of the body and the presence or absence of ARV therapy.
This stage is dangerous because of its secrecy for the infected and for others. Over the years, immunodeficiency develops, and the viral load becomes undetectable. By external indicators, it is unrealistic to identify the patient.
When symptoms of HIV appear, you need to be diagnosed and registered, then regularly examined by an infectious disease specialist. Based on the concentration of the virus in the blood and the state of immunity, the doctor may suggest the passage of antiretroviral therapy, which will prolong the latent phase.
Symptoms of AIDS and when does it appear?
The AIDS stage occurs when the number of CD4+ cells is below 200 per mm 3 of blood. The end of the latent phase is considered an indicator of 200-300 cells / mm 3 of blood - it passes into the stage of accession of secondary diseases.
How long HIV manifests with opportunistic diseases also depends on maintenance and antiretroviral therapy. Often, infectious disease specialists prescribe antibiotics, antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal drugs for the purpose of prevention.
When HIV begins to appear, during this period some diseases inherent in stage 4A may be observed:
- fungal infection;
- Upper respiratory tract infections.
Women suffer from intractable thrush. Candidiasis can also be observed in men. Patients either lose body weight, or it remains unchanged.
How long does the symptoms of HIV at the AIDS stage become dangerous?
Intractable or untreatable diseases are characterized by phase 4B. Often there is prolonged fever and diarrhea (longer than a month). The patient very quickly loses more than 10% of body weight.
How long does it take for HIV symptoms to pose a threat to a person's life? Diarrhea and fever often last for about two months, after which serious diseases that affect the internal organs and skin join:
- Leukoplakia of the tongue
- Angina;
- Pharyngitis.
Diseases are not comparable in complexity to the symptoms of HIV after a year of infection, when the immune system still protected the body from incoming infections. Sometimes at stage 4B, women develop dysplasia and cervical cancer, which leads to the human papillomavirus.
How long does it take to get AIDS infection - clinical signs of stage 4B
Few people survive to this phase - patients die from concomitant diseases, cancerous tumors. For example, people with Kaposi's sarcoma do not live for more than a year. If the infection is not fatal, then tuberculosis can develop, from which most of the patients die.
When the first symptoms (signs) of HIV at stage 4B appear, associated with damage to the central nervous system, the patient is accompanied by:
- Headache;
- anxiety state;
- Insomnia;
- Dizziness.
Generalization of infections leads to exhaustion, and the body does not perceive the treatment.
How long does it take for symptoms of HIV to appear associated with disruption of the central nervous system and brain damage? May occur around the 15th year of "cohabitation" with the virus.
There is a significant loss in weight and exhaustion (cachexia) - more often a person needs constant care. The doctor must adjust the ARV therapy.
How quickly do symptoms of HIV appear in the last stage?
The terminal phase is characterized by persistent exhaustion and damage to the central nervous system, up to paralysis. Encephalopathy leading to cerebral edema may occur.
The time of manifestation of HIV infection at this stage is 2-3 months (rarely patients live for six months, some die in a matter of days). Cancer cells metastasize, affecting all organs in turn. The emaciated patient spends most of the day in bed. Sometimes in the terminal phase they do not live even a few days.
Patients are prone to mental disorders and often think about suicide, therefore, at any time during the manifestation of HIV, it is necessary to consult a psychologist and support relatives. Those infected can become depressed, and women often experience anorexia.
If antiviral treatment is taken, the body can learn to coexist with the virus without significantly reducing the immune status. Such patients suffer the disease almost asymptomatically (except for the last phases), and the duration of the latent period increases.
HIV is an acronym for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which infects the human immune system, causing HIV infection.
The last stage of HIV infection is AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
HIV infection and AIDS: what is the fundamental difference between these two conditions?
HIV infection
incurable infectious disease. It belongs to a group of slow viral infections with a long course that affects the immune system.
That is, the virus, having entered the body of a healthy person from a sick person, may not manifest itself for many years.
However, gradually HIV destroys the cells of the immune system, which is designed to protect the human body from all kinds of infections and negative influences.
Therefore, over time, immunity "loses its positions."
AIDS
A condition in which the human immune system is practically unable to fight infections, resist development cancer cells and various harmful factors environment. At this stage, any infection, even the most harmless, can lead to the development of a serious illness, and subsequently the death of the patient from complications, encephalitis or tumors.
Facts about the disease
Perhaps now there is not a single adult who has never heard of HIV infection. After all, it is not without reason that it is called the "plague of the 20th century." Yes, and in the XI century, it is moving forward "by leaps and bounds", taking about 5,000 human lives every day all over the world. Although, how the HIV disease has a not so long history.
It is believed that HIV infection began its "triumphant procession" around the planet in the 70s of the last century, when the first mass cases of infection with symptoms similar to AIDS were described.
However, officially they started talking about HIV infection only in the early 80s of the last century:
- In 1981, two articles were published that described the development of an unusual pneumocystis pneumonia (caused by a yeast-like fungus) and Kaposi's sarcoma (a malignant skin tumor) in homosexual men.
- In July 1982, the term "AIDS" was proposed to refer to a new disease.
- The human immunodeficiency virus was discovered in 1983 simultaneously in two independent laboratories:
- In France, at the Institute Louis Pasteur under Luc Montagnier
- In the USA at the National Cancer Institute under the direction of Gallo Robert
- In 1985, a technique was developed that determined the presence of antibodies to HIV in the blood of patients - enzyme immunoassay.
- In 1987, the first case of HIV infection was diagnosed in the USSR. The patient is a homosexual man who worked as an interpreter in African countries.
- In 1988, the World Health Organization declared December 1st International AIDS Day.
Where did HIV come from? There is no definite answer to this question. However, there are several hypotheses.
The most common theory is that a person got infected from a monkey. It is based on the fact that in great apes (chimpanzees) living in Central Africa (Congo), a virus has been isolated from the blood that can cause the development of AIDS in humans. Probably, the infection of a person occurred when an accidental injury occurred during butchering a carcass of a monkey or a bite of a person by a monkey.
However, monkey HIV is a weak virus and the human body copes with it within one week. But in order for the virus to harm the immune system, it must be transmitted from one person to another within a short time. Then the virus mutates (changes), acquiring properties characteristic of human HIV.
There is also an assumption that among the tribes of Central Africa, HIV existed for a long time. However, it was only with the onset of increased migration in the 20th century that the virus spread around the world.
Statistics
A huge number of people around the world become infected with HIV every year.
Number of HIV-infected
- Worldwide as of 01.01.2013 amounted to 35.3 million people
- In Russia at the end of 2013 - about 780,000 people, and 51,190 thousand were identified in the period from 01.01.13 to 08.31.13
- For the CIS countries(data as of the end of 2013):
- Ukraine - about 350,000
- Kazakhstan - about 16,000
- Belarus - 15 711
- Moldova - 7 800
- Georgia - 4,094
- Armenia - 3,500
- Tajikistan - 4,700
- Azerbaijan - 4 171
- Kyrgyzstan - about 5,000
- Turkmenistan - official authorities claim that HIV infection does not exist in the country
- Uzbekistan - about 7,800
Mortality
Since the beginning of the epidemic, about 36 million people have died from AIDS. Moreover, the mortality of patients is decreasing from year to year - thanks to successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART or ART).
Celebrities who died of AIDS
- Gia Karanji- American supermodel. She died in 1986. She suffered from a severe form of drug addiction.
- Freddie Mercury- lead singer of the legendary rock band Queen. Died in 1991.
- Michael Wastphal is a famous tennis player. He died at the age of 26.
- Rudolf Nureyev- the legend of the world ballet. Died in 1993.
- Ryan White- the first and most famous child with HIV infection. He suffered from hemophilia and contracted HIV through a blood transfusion at the age of 13. The boy, along with his mother, fought for the rights of HIV-infected people all his life. Ryan White died of AIDS in 1990 at the age of 18, but did not lose: he proved to the whole world that HIV-infected people do not pose a threat if elementary precautions are observed, having the right to a normal life.
AIDS virus
Perhaps there is no other virus that is so thoroughly studied and at the same time remains a big mystery to scientists, claiming thousands of lives every year, including those of children. This is due to the fact that the human immunodeficiency virus changes very quickly: 1000 mutations per gene. Therefore, no effective medicinal product there is no vaccine developed against it. Whereas, for example, the influenza virus mutates 30 (!) Less often.In addition, there are several varieties of the virus itself.
HIV: structure
There are two main types of HIV:- HIV-1 or HIV-1(opened in 1983) - the main causative agent of infection. It is very aggressive, causing typical manifestations of the disease. Most often found in Western Europe and Asia, South and North America, Central Africa.
- HIV-2 or HIV-2(opened in 1986) is a less aggressive analogue of HIV-1, so the disease is milder. Not so widespread: found in West Africa, Germany, France, Portugal.
Structure
HIV- a spherical (spherical) particle having a size of 100 to 120 nanometers. The envelope of the virus is dense, formed by a double lipid (fat-like substance) layer with “spikes”, and under it is a protein layer (p-24-capsid).
Under the capsule are:
- two strands of viral RNA (ribonucleic acid) - a carrier of genetic information
- viral enzymes: protease, intergrase and transcriptase
- p7 protein
The most important feature of retroviruses is the presence of a special enzyme: reverse transcriptase. Thanks to this enzyme, the virus converts its RNA into DNA (a molecule that provides storage and transmission of genetic information to future generations), which it then introduces into the host cells.
HIV: properties
HIV in the external environment is unstable:- quickly dies under the influence of 5% hydrogen peroxide solution, ether, chloramine solution, 70 0 C alcohol, acetone
- outside of the body outdoors dies within minutes
- at +56 0 С - 30 minutes
- when boiling - instantly
HIV: features of the life cycle
HIV has a special affinity (prefers) for some cells of the immune system - T-lymphocytes-helpers, monocytes, macrophages, as well as cells of the nervous system, in the shell of which there are special receptors - CD4 cells. However, there is an assumption that HIV also infects other cells.What are the cells of the immune system responsible for?
T-lymphocytes-helpers activate the work of almost all cells of the immune system, and also produce special substances that fight foreign agents: viruses, microbes, fungi, allergens. That is, in fact, they control the work of almost the entire immune system.
Monocytes and macrophages - cells that absorb foreign particles, viruses and microbes, digesting them.
The life cycle of HIV includes several phases
Let's consider them using the example of a T-lymphocyte-helper:- Once in the body, the virus binds to special receptors on the surface of the T-lymphocyte - the CD4 cell. Then it enters the host cell and sheds the outer shell.
- With reverse transcriptase a DNA copy (one strand) is synthesized on viral RNA (matrix). The copy is then completed into double-stranded DNA.
- Double-stranded DNA moves to the nucleus of the T-lymphocyte, where it is integrated into the DNA of the host cell. At this stage, the active enzyme is integrase.
- The DNA copy is stored in the host cell from several months to several years, so to speak, "asleep". At this stage, the presence of the virus in the human body can be detected using tests with specific antibodies.
- Any secondary infection provokes the transfer of information from the DNA copy to the matrix (viral) RNA, which leads to further reproduction of the virus.
- Next, the ribosomes of the host cell (protein-producing particles) synthesize viral proteins on the viral RNA.
- Then from viral RNA and newly synthesized viral proteins new parts of viruses are assembled, which leave the cell, destroying it.
- New viruses attach to receptors on the surface of other T-lymphocytes - and the cycle begins again.
A general diagram of HIV division along with a photograph taken under an electron microscope.
HIV infection
Gone are the days when it was believed that HIV infection was a disease that affects only drug addicts, sex workers and homosexuals.Everyone can become infected, regardless of social status, financial wealth, gender, age and sexual orientation. The source of infection is an HIV-infected person at any stage of the infectious process.
Just like that, HIV does not fly through the air. It is found in body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid. For infection, it is necessary that an infectious dose - about 10,000 viral particles - enter the bloodstream.
Ways of transmission of HIV infection
- Heterosexual contacts- unprotected vaginal sex.
The risk of infection after one sexual contact with ejaculation is from 0.1 to 0.32% for the passive partner (the "receiving" side), and 0.01-0.1% for the active ("introducing" side).
However, infection can also occur after one sexual contact if there is any other sexually transmitted disease (STD): syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and others. Since the number of T-lymphocytes-helpers and other cells of the immune system increases in the inflammatory focus. And then HIV "enters the human body on a white horse."
In addition, with all STDs, the mucous membrane is prone to injury, so its integrity is often violated: cracks, ulcers, and erosion appear. As a result, infection occurs much faster.
The probability of infection increases with prolonged sexual contact: if the husband is sick, then within three years in 45-50% of cases the wife becomes infected, if the wife is sick - in 35-45% of the husband. The risk of infection in a woman is higher, since a large amount of infected sperm enters the vagina, it is longer in contact with the mucosa, and the contact area is larger.
- Intravenous drug use
Since intravenous drug addicts often use common non-sterile medical syringes or common utensils to prepare the solution. The probability of infection is 30-35%.
In addition, drug addicts often engage in promiscuous sex, which increases the likelihood of infection of both themselves and others by several times.
- Unprotected anal sex regardless of sexual orientation
- Unprotected oral sex
However, the risk of infection increases if there are seizures in the corners of the mouth, and wounds and ulcers in the cavity.
- Children born to HIV-infected mothers
It is possible to infect a healthy mother with breastfeeding a sick child, if a woman has cracks in her nipples, and the baby's gums bleed.
- Accidental injuries with medical instruments, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections
- Blood transfusion and organ transplant
On a note
The probability of infection depends on the initial state of the human immune system: the weaker it is, the faster the infection occurs, and the disease is more severe. In addition, it matters what the viral load of an HIV-infected person is, if it is high, then the risk of infection increases several times.
Diagnosis of HIV infection
It is rather complicated, since its symptoms appear long after infection and are similar to other diseases. That's why The main method of early diagnosis is testing for HIV infection.Methods for diagnosing HIV infection
They have been developed for a long time and are constantly being improved, reducing the risk of both false negative and false positive results to a minimum. Most often blood is used for diagnosis. However, there are test systems for determining HIV in saliva (scraping from the oral mucosa) and in urine, but they have not yet been widely used.Available three main stages of diagnosis HIV infections in adults:
- Preliminary- screening (sorting), which serves to select suspected infected persons
- Reference
- Confirming- expert
Some concepts in the context of diagnosing HIV infection:
- Antigen- the virus itself or its particles (proteins, fats, enzymes, capsule particles, and so on).
- Antibody Cells produced by the immune system in response to HIV infection.
- Seroconversion- immune response. Once in the body, HIV multiplies rapidly. In response, the immune system begins to produce antibodies, the concentration of which increases over the next few weeks. And only when their number reaches a certain level (seroconversion), they are detected by special test systems. Further, the level of the virus falls, and the immune system calms down.
- "Window period"- the interval from the moment of infection to the appearance of seroconversion (average of 6-12 weeks). This is the most dangerous period, since the risk of HIV transmission is high, and the test system gives a false negative result.
Screening stage
Definition common antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 using enzyme immunoassay - ELISA (ELISA) . It is informative usually 3-6 months after infection. However, sometimes he detects antibodies a little earlier: three to five weeks after a dangerous contact.It is preferable to use fourth generation test systems. They have one feature - in addition to antibodies, they also determine the HIV antigen - p-24-Capsid, which makes it possible to detect the virus even before a sufficient level of antibodies is produced, reducing the "window period".
However, in most countries, already obsolete test systems of the third or even second generation (only antibodies are determined) are still used, since they are cheaper.
However, they are more often give false positive results: if there is an infectious disease during pregnancy, autoimmune processes (rheumatism, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis), the presence of the Epstein-Bar virus in the body and in some other diseases.
If the ELISA result is positive, then the diagnosis of HIV infection is not made, but proceed to the next stage of diagnosis.
Reference stage
It is carried out by more sensitive test systems 2-3 times. In case of two positive results, proceed to the third stage.Expert stage - immunoblotting
A method in which antibodies to individual HIV proteins are determined.Consists of several stages:
- HIV is broken down into antigens by electrophoresis.
- by blotting (in a special chamber) they are transferred to special strips, which are already coated with proteins characteristic of HIV.
- the patient's blood is applied to the strips, if it contains antibodies to antigens, a reaction occurs that is visible on the test strips.
Therefore, there are two options for the expert stage laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection:
| First option | Second option |
Available another sensitive diagnostic method HIV infection - polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - determination of DNA and RNA of the virus. However, it has a significant drawback - a high percentage of false positive results. Therefore, it is used in combination with other methods.
Diagnosis in children born to HIV-infected mothers
It has its own characteristics, since maternal antibodies to HIV that cross the placenta may be present in the child's blood. They are present from the moment of birth, remaining up to 15-18 months of life. However, the absence of antibodies does not mean that the child is not infected.Diagnostic tactics
- up to 1 month - PCR, since the virus does not multiply intensively during this period
- older than a month - determination of p24-Capsid antigen
- laboratory diagnostic examination and observation from the moment of birth up to 36 months
Symptoms and signs of HIV in men and women
Diagnosis is difficult because the clinical manifestations are similar to those of other infections and diseases. In addition, HIV infection progresses differently in different people.Stages of HIV infection
According to the Russian clinical classification of HIV infection (V.I. Pokrovsky)HIV infection symptoms
- The first stage is incubation
The virus is actively multiplying. Duration - from the moment of infection to 3-6 weeks (sometimes up to one year). With weakened immunity - up to two weeks.
Symptoms
None. It can be suspected if dangerous situation: unprotected casual sexual contact, blood transfusion and so on. Test systems do not detect antibodies in the blood. - The second stage - primary manifestations
The body's immune response to the introduction, reproduction and massive spread of HIV. The first symptoms appear within the first three months after infection and may precede seroconversion. Duration - usually 2-3 weeks (rarely several months).
flow options
- 2A - Asymptomatic There are no manifestations of the disease. There is only the production of antibodies.
- 2B - Acute infection without secondary disease It is observed in 15-30% of patients. Runs like an acute viral infection or infectious mononucleosis.
- Increase in body temperature 38.8C and above - the answer to the introduction of the virus. The body begins to produce an active biological substance - interlekin, which "gives a signal" to the hypothalamus (located in the brain) that there is a "stranger" in the body. Therefore, energy production increases, and heat output decreases.
- Enlarged lymph nodes- reaction of the immune system. In the lymph nodes, the production of antibodies against HIV by lymphocytes increases, which leads to working hypertrophy (increase in size) of the lymph nodes.
- Skin rashes in the form of red spots and seals, small hemorrhages up to 10 mm in diameter, prone to merging with each other. The rash is located symmetrically mainly on the skin on the trunk, but sometimes on the face and neck. It is a consequence of direct damage by the virus to T-lymphocytes and macrophages in the skin, which leads to a violation of local immunity. Therefore, in the future there is an increased susceptibility to various pathogens.
- Diarrhea(accelerated loose stools) develops due to the direct effect of HIV on the intestinal mucosa, which causes changes in the local immune system, and also interferes with absorption.
- Sore throat(tonsillitis, pharyngitis) and oral cavity due to the fact that HIV affects the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, as well as lymphoid tissue (tonsils). As a result, mucosal edema appears, tonsils enlarge, which causes sore throat, painful swallowing and other symptoms characteristic of a viral infection.
- Enlargement of the liver and spleen associated with the response of the immune system to the introduction of HIV into the body.
- Sometimes developing autoimmune diseases(psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and others). The cause and mechanism of formation is still unclear. However, most often these diseases occur in later stages.
- 2B - Acute infection with secondary diseases
It is observed in 50-90% of patients. It occurs against the background of a temporary decrease in CD4-lymphocytes, so the immune system is weakened and cannot fully resist the "strangers".
There are secondary diseases caused by microbes, fungi, viruses: candidiasis, herpes, respiratory tract infections, stomatitis, dermatitis, tonsillitis and others. They usually respond well to treatment. Further, the state of the immune system stabilizes, and the disease moves on to the next stage.
- The third stage - long-term widespread enlargement of the lymph nodes
Duration - from 2 to 15-20 years, since the immune system inhibits the reproduction of the virus. During this period, the level of CD4-lymphocytes gradually decreases: approximately at a rate of 0.05-0.07x109/l per year.
There is only an increase in at least two groups of lymph nodes (LN) that have not been connected to each other for three months, with the exception of the inguinal ones. The size of the LU in adults is more than 1 cm, in children it is more than 0.5 cm. They are painless and elastic. Gradually, the LNs decrease in size, remaining in this state for a long time. But sometimes they can increase again, and then decrease - and so on for several years.
- Fourth stage - secondary diseases (preAIDS)
It develops when the immune system is exhausted: the level of CD4-lymphocytes, macrophages, as well as other cells of the immune system drops significantly.
Therefore, HIV, practically not encountering a response from the immune system, begins to multiply intensively. It affects more and more healthy cells, leading to the development of tumors and serious infectious diseases - opportunistic infections (under normal conditions, the body can easily cope with them). Some of them occur only in HIV-infected people, and some in ordinary people, only in HIV-positive people they are much more severe.
The disease can be suspected if there are at least 2-3 diseases or conditions listed at each stage.
Has three stages
- 4A. Develops 6-10 years after infection at the level of CD4-lymphocytes 350-500 CD4/mm3 (in healthy people it fluctuates between 600-1900CD4/mm3).
- Weight loss up to 10% of baseline weight in less than 6 months. The reason is that the proteins of the virus are introduced into the cells of the body, inhibiting the synthesis of proteins in them. Therefore, the patient literally “dries up before our eyes”, absorption is also impaired. nutrients in the intestine.
- Repeated damage to the skin and mucous membranes by bacteria (abscesses, boils), fungi (candidiasis, lichen), viruses (herpes zoster)
- Pharyngitis and sinusitis (more than three times a year).
- 4A. Develops 6-10 years after infection at the level of CD4-lymphocytes 350-500 CD4/mm3 (in healthy people it fluctuates between 600-1900CD4/mm3).
- 4B. Occurs 7-10 years after infection at the level of CD4-lymphocytes 350-200 CD4/mm3.
Characterized by diseases and conditions:
- Loss of body weight more than 10% in 6 months. There is a weakness.
- An increase in body temperature to 38.0-38.5 0 C for more than 1 month.
- Chronic diarrhea (diarrhea) for more than 1 month develops as a result of both direct damage to the intestinal mucosa by the virus, and the addition of a secondary infection, usually mixed.
- Leukoplakia - proliferation of the papillary layer of the tongue: white filiform formations appear on its lateral surface, sometimes on the buccal mucosa. Its occurrence is bad sign for disease prognosis.
- Deep lesions of the skin and mucous membranes (candidiasis, lichen lichen simplex, molluscum contagiosum, rubrophytia, versicolor and others) with a protracted course.
- Repeated and persistent bacterial (tonsillitis, pneumonia), viral (cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Bar virus, herpes simplex virus) infections.
- Recurrent or widespread shingles caused by the varicella zoster virus.
- Localized (non-spread) Kaposi's sarcoma is a malignant tumor of the skin that develops from the vessels of the lymphatic and circulatory system.
- Pulmonary tuberculosis.
- 4B. Develops 10-12 years after infection at the level of CD4-lymphocytes less than 200 CD4/mm3. Life-threatening diseases occur.
Characterized by diseases and conditions:
- Extreme emaciation, lack of appetite and great weakness. Patients are forced to spend more than a month in bed.
- Pneumocystis pneumonia (caused by a yeast-like fungus) is a marker of HIV infection.
- Often recurrent herpes, manifested by non-healing erosions and ulcers on the mucous membranes.
- Protozoal diseases: cryptosporidiosis and isosporiasis (affect the intestines), toxoplasmosis (focal and diffuse lesions of the brain, pneumonia) are markers of HIV infection.
- Candidiasis of the skin and internal organs: esophagus, respiratory tract, and so on
- Extrapulmonary tuberculosis: bones, meninges, intestines and other organs.
- Widespread Kaposi's sarcoma.
- Mycobacteriosis affecting the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system and other internal organs. Mycobacteria are present in water, soil, dust. Cause disease only in HIV-infected people.
- Cryptococcal meningitis is caused by a fungus that is present in the soil. In a healthy body usually does not occur.
- Diseases of the central nervous system: dementia, movement disorders, forgetfulness, decreased ability to concentrate, slow thinking abilities, gait disturbance, personality changes, clumsiness in the hands. It develops both due to the direct impact of HIV on nerve cells for a long time, and as a result of developed complications after past illnesses.
- Malignant tumors of any localization.
- Kidney and heart damage caused by HIV infection.
- Fifth stage - terminal
It develops when the number of CD4 cells is below 50-100 CD4/mm3. At this stage, all existing diseases progress, the treatment of secondary infections is ineffective. The life of the patient depends on the ongoing HAART, but, unfortunately, it, as well as the treatment of secondary diseases, is ineffective. Therefore, patients usually die within a few months.
There is a classification of HIV infection according to WHO, but it is less structured, therefore, in general, specialists prefer to work according to Pokrovsky's classification.
The given data on the stages and their manifestations of HIV infection are averaged. Not all patients pass sequentially through the stages, sometimes "jumping" through them or staying at a certain stage for a long time.
Therefore, the course of the disease is quite long (up to 20 years) or short (there are known cases of fulminant flow, when patients died within 7-9 months from the moment of infection). This is associated with the characteristics of the patient's immune system (for example, some have few CD4-lymphocytes or initially reduced immunity), as well as the type of HIV.
HIV infection in men
Symptoms fit into the usual clinic, without specific manifestations.HIV infection in women
As a rule, they have menstrual irregularities (irregular periods with the presence of intermenstrual bleeding), and the menstruation itself is painful.Women have a slightly higher risk of developing malignant tumors on the cervix.
In addition, they have inflammatory processes of the female genital organs occur more often (more than three times a year) than in healthy women, proceeding more severely.
HIV infection in children
The course does not differ from that of adults, but there is a difference - they are somewhat behind in physical and mental development from their peers.
Treatment of HIV infection
Unfortunately, it doesn't exist yet medicinal product, which would completely cure this disease. However, there are drugs that significantly reduce the reproduction of the virus, prolonging the life of patients.Moreover, these drugs are so effective that when proper treatment CD4 cells are growing, and HIV itself is difficult to detect even by the most sensitive methods in the body.
In order to achieve this, The patient must have self-discipline:
- taking medicine at the same time
- dosage and diet
- continuity of treatment
The main directions of treatment
- Prevent and delay the development of life-threatening conditions
- Ensure a longer preservation of the quality of life of infected patients
- With the help of HAART and the prevention of secondary diseases, achieve remission (no clinical symptoms)
- Emotional and practical support for patients
- Providing free medicines
First stage
Treatment is not prescribed. However, if there was contact with an HIV-infected person, then chemoprophylaxis is recommended in the first three days after it.
Second stage
2A. No treatment unless CD4 count is less than 200 CD4/mm3
2B. Treatment is prescribed, but if the level of CD4-lymphocytes is more than 350 CD4 / mm3, then abstain from it.
2B. Treatment is prescribed if the patient has manifestations characteristic of stage 4, but with the exception of cases when the level of CD4-lymphocytes is more than 350 CD4 / mm3.
Third stage
HAART is indicated if the CD4 count is less than 200 CD4/mm3 and the HIV RNA level is more than 100,000 copies, or the patient actively desires to start therapy.
Fourth stage
Treatment is prescribed if the level of CD4-lymphocytes is less than 350 CD4 / mm3 or the amount of HIV RNA is more than 100,000 copies.
Fifth stage
Treatment is always prescribed.
On a note
HAART is prescribed for children regardless of the stage of the disease.
These are existing standards for the treatment of HIV infection today. But there have been recent studies showing that earlier initiation of HAART produces better results. Therefore, most likely, these recommendations will be revised soon.
Drugs used to treat HIV
- Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors of the virus (Didanosine, Lamivudine, Zidovudine, Abakovir, Stavudine, Zalcitabine)
- Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (Nevirapine, Ifavirenz, Delavirdine)
- Viral protease (enzyme) inhibitors (Saquinavir, Indinavir, Nelfinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir)
However, a new drug will soon enter the market - quad, which promises to revolutionize the lives of those living with HIV. Since it works faster, it has fewer side effects. In addition, it solves the problem of HIV drug resistance. And patients no longer have to swallow handfuls of pills. Since the new drug combines the action of several drugs for the treatment of HIV infection, and is taken once a day.
Prevention of HIV infection
“Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat later.”Perhaps there is no person who does not agree with this statement. It also applies to HIV/AIDS. Therefore, in most countries, various programs are being implemented to reduce the rate of spread of this infection.
However, we will talk about what everyone can do. After all, not much effort is needed to protect yourself and your loved ones from this plague.
HIV/AIDS prevention among people at higher risk
Heterosexual and homosexual contacts- The surest way is to have one sexual partner whose HIV status is known.
- Engage in casual sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal) only with the use of a condom. The most reliable are latex with standard lubrication.
But the likelihood of infection is still reduced to almost zero if the condom is used correctly: it is necessary to put it on before sexual intercourse, make sure that there is no air left between the latex and the penis (there is a risk of rupture), always use a condom in accordance with the size.
Virtually all condoms made from other materials do not protect against HIV at all.
Intravenous drug use
Drug addiction and HIV often go hand in hand, so the most reliable way is to stop taking intravenous drugs.
However, if this path is still chosen, precautions must be taken:
- Individual and single use of sterile medical syringes
- Preparation of a solution for injection in a sterile individual container
- with a self-insemination kit (parterre HIV-negative)
- semen purification followed by insemination (both partners are HIV positive)
- in vitro fertilization
Taking medications:
- HAART (if necessary) with medical or preventive purpose depending on gestational age
- multivitamins
- iron preparations and others
It is important to submit everything on time. necessary tests: to determine the viral load, the level of CD4 cells, swabs and so on.
medical staff
At risk of infection if the activity is associated with penetration through natural barriers (skin, mucous membranes) and manipulations during which they come into contact with biological fluids.
Infection prevention
- use of protective equipment: goggles, gloves, mask and protective clothing
- promptly discard the used needle in a special non-piercing container
- contact with HIV-infected biological fluid - chemoprophylaxis - taking complex HAART according to the scheme
- contact with a suspected infected biological fluid:
- skin damage (puncture or cut) - the blood does not need to be stopped for a few seconds, then treat the injury site with 700C alcohol
- contact with biological fluid on undamaged parts of the body - wash with running water and soap, then wipe with 700C alcohol
- contact with eyes - rinse with running water
- into the oral cavity - rinsing 700С with alcohol
- on clothes - remove it and soak it in one of the disinfectants (chloramine and others), and wipe the skin under it with 70% alcohol
- on shoes - twice wiping with a rag soaked in one of the disinfectants
- on walls, floors, tiles - pour disinfectant for 30 minutes, then wipe
How is HIV transmitted?
Healthy man is infected from an HIV-infected person at any stage of the disease when an infectious dose enters the bloodstream.Methods of transmission of the virus
- Unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV-infected person (heterosexual and homosexual contacts). Most often - in persons leading a promiscuous sex life. The risk increases with anal sex regardless of sexual orientation.
- When using intravenous drugs: sharing with an HIV-infected person a non-sterile syringe or utensils for preparing a solution.
- From an HIV-infected woman to a child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
- Upon contact of health workers with contaminated biological fluid: contact with mucous membranes, injections or cuts.
- Blood transfusion or organ transplant from HIV-infected people. Of course, testing of a donor organ or blood is carried out before medical manipulations. However, if it falls within the "window period", the test produces a false negative result.
Where can I donate blood for HIV?
Thanks to special programs, as well as adopted laws to protect HIV-infected people, information is not disclosed or transferred to third parties. Therefore, one should not be afraid of disclosure of status or discrimination in case of positive result.You can donate blood for HIV infection for free in two types:
- Anonymously A person does not tell his name, but he is assigned a number by which you can find out the result (for many it is more comfortable).
- Confidential The laboratory staff becomes aware of the person's first and last name, but they keep the medical secret.
- at any regional AIDS center
- in a city, regional or district polyclinic in anonymous and voluntary testing rooms, where blood is taken to detect HIV infection.
In addition, you can take an analysis at a private medical center, which is equipped with special equipment, but, most likely, for a fee.
Depending on the capabilities of the laboratory, the result can be obtained on the same day, after 2-3 days or after 2 weeks. Considering that for many people testing is stressful, it is better to clarify the dates in advance.
What to do if the HIV test is positive?
Usually when you get a positive HIV test result doctor invites the patient anonymously and explains:- course of the disease
- what research needs to be done
- how to live with this diagnosis
- what treatment to take if necessary and so on
Must be defined:
- CD4 cell level
- the presence of viral hepatitis (B, C, D)
- in some cases, the p-24 capsid antigen
How can you not get infected with HIV?
- when coughing or sneezing
- bites from insects or animals
- through shared cutlery and cutlery
- during medical examinations
- when swimming in a pool or pond
- in the sauna, steam room
- through a handshake, hug and kiss
- when using a shared toilet
- V in public places
Who are HIV dissidents?
People who deny the existence of HIV infection.Their beliefs are based on:
- HIV has not been unequivocally and undeniably identified
In fact, there are plenty of photographs taken under an electron microscope.
- From the cure antiviral drugs patients die faster than from disease
This is partly true, since the very first drugs did cause a large number of side effects. However, modern medicines are much more effective and safer. In addition, science does not stand still, inventing more effective and safe means.
- Considered a global conspiracy of pharmaceutical companies
If this were the case, then the pharmaceutical companies would disseminate information not about the disease itself and its treatment, but about some kind of miraculous vaccine, which, by the way, does not exist to this day.
- AIDS is a disease of the immune system, not caused by a virus
Like, it is a consequence of immunodeficiency, which developed as a result of stress, after strong radiation exposure, exposure to poison or strong drugs, and some other reasons.
This can be contrasted with the fact that as soon as an HIV-infected patient begins to take HAART, his condition improves significantly.
All these statements mislead patients, so they refuse about treatment. Whereas HAART, started in time, slows down the course of the disease, prolonging life and allowing HIV-infected people to be full-fledged members of society: work, give birth to healthy children, live in a normal rhythm, and so on. Therefore, it is so important to detect HIV in time, and, if necessary, start HAART.
