Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. Over time, HIV can destroy enough CD4 cells to weaken the immune system, making it unable to fight off infections and diseases. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of HIV infection, characterized by severe damage to the immune system and the occurrence of opportunistic infections or cancers.
HIV is primarily transmitted through certain bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common modes of transmission include:
- Unprotected sexual intercourse: Both vaginal and anal intercourse without the use of condoms can transmit HIV, especially if one partner is HIV-positive.
- Sharing contaminated needles: Injecting drugs with needles that have been used by someone with HIV can transmit the virus.
- From mother to child: HIV can be passed from an HIV-positive mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, with proper medical care and treatment during pregnancy and childbirth, the risk of transmission can be significantly reduced.
- Blood transfusions or organ transplants: While rare in regions where blood screening and organ donor testing are routine, HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants from infected donors.
HIV infection progresses through several stages, with initial symptoms resembling flu-like illness. However, many people with HIV may not experience symptoms for years. Without treatment, HIV infection eventually progresses to AIDS, characterized by a severely weakened immune system and the development of opportunistic infections or cancers.
Treatment for HIV typically involves antiretroviral therapy (ART), a combination of medications that suppress the replication of the virus, allowing the immune system to recover and preventing the progression to AIDS. With effective treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Additionally, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is available for individuals at high risk of HIV infection to prevent transmission.
Goals of Antiretroviral Therapy
- Viral Suppression: ART aims to achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load, meaning the amount of HIV in the blood is so low that it cannot be detected by standard laboratory tests.
- Immune Restoration: By suppressing viral replication, ART helps to preserve CD4 T-cell counts and restore immune function, reducing the risk of opportunistic infections and other HIV-related complications.
- Improvement in Clinical Outcomes: Effective ART can prolong survival, reduce the risk of HIV-related illnesses, and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV.
- Prevention of Transmission: Viral suppression through ART significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission to sexual partners and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
It’s important for individuals living with HIV to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, considering factors such as the individual’s overall health, HIV viral load, drug resistance profile, potential side effects, and lifestyle factors.