Course of the HIV infection:
A more detailed description of the HIV retrovirus infection procedure is detailed:
The retroviral infection proceeds in the following fashion:
1. Attachment:
The retrovirus reaches its site of infection, a human cell. Where its gp120 molecules bind t- the CD4 receptor proteins on T helper lymphocytes and macrophages (shapes complimentary). Then the viral outer membrane fuses int- t- the cell and thus releases the Capsid int- the cell.
2. DNA SYNTHESIS
3. The RNA is ejected int- the cell by Capsid rupture and thus by the virtue of the attachment of reverse transcriptase, reverse transcription synthesizes a TTGACGTACGT sequence DNA material from the AACUGCAUGCA RNA material.
4. INTEGRATION
This DNA integrates with the cell nuclear DNA using Integrase from the virus capsule and starts getting transcripted.
5. TRANSCRIPTION and translation
Transcription of the integrative DNA. The transcripted material contains new RNA coding for the new virus assembly. The cells cleave and give rise t- more viral bodies.
*approximately 109 viruses are produced per day.
Thus the next cycle starts all over
- The new viruses leave the cell by budding, taking some of the host cell membrane t- form the viral envelope.
- This kills the T helper cells
- Infected T helper cells are als- destroyed by T killer cells.
- S- the number of T helper lymphocytes decreases.
- Loss of T helper cells results in the loss of activation of both B and T cells s- the effectiveness of the specific immune response t- combat infection is subsequently reduced.
On the conclusion of the above mechanism the HIV infection has Four Stages of development:
- Transmission of HIV virus.
- Early or acute Phase (caused by primary HIV infection, lasting from few weeks during the time the client may have symptoms like fever, sweats, sore throat, & fatigue.
- Latent or Asymptomatic Phase (possibly lasts years)
- Final or crisis Stage ( lasting months or even years) the patient is immuno-compromise & is susceptible t- various infection usually leading t- death
Symptoms of an HIV infection:
- Immediate after infection with HIV, most people experience a brief flu-like illness
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Joint pain sore throat & swollen lymph nodes
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The transmission of the virus:
- HIV enters the bloodstream through:
- Open Cuts
- Breaks in the skin
- Mucous membranes
- Direct injection
- Common fluids that are a means of transmission:
- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal Secretions
- Breast Milk
HIV Risk Reduction
- Avoid drug and alcohol use t- maintain good judgment
- Don't share needles used by others for:
Drugs
Tattoos
Body piercing
- Avoid exposure t- blood products
- Avoid unprotected sexual contact
- Limit multiple partners by maintaining a long-term relationship with one person
Therefore, beware of this infectious disease and be safe for life.