There are various blood tests used to detect HIV, of which the most frequently used is enzyme immunoassay, and if the presence of antibodies is detected, the blood is further tested with the Western blot method (AIDS). A test that measure the viral genes in the blood is has proven helpful in assessing treatment efficacy (AIDS). Although there is no cure for AIDS, there are a number of drugs available, such as AZT, ddl, and 3TC which are reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and have shown to be effective in delaying the onset of symptoms in certain subsets of infected individuals (AIDS). Moreover, adding a protease inhibitor, such as saquinovir, amprenavir, or atazanavir to AZT and 3TC has proven effective, however this combination does not eliminate the virus (AIDS). Another type of reverse transcriptase inhibitor, efavirenz must be taken with protease inhibitors or older forms of AIDS medicines (AIDS). Subsequent infections may be treated with a variety of antibiotics and antiviral drugs, and chemotherapy is often used as treatment for malignancies (AIDS). In July 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a once-daily pill for HIV, however these once or twice a day regimes, such as Ziagen, can be difficult for some patients, resulting in swollen glands, fever, rashes, high cholesterol rates, and increased heart disease (Montagne). In December 2006, Pfizer announced it was establishing a multi-national Expanded Access Program to make the investigational...
In the 1980's AIDS was seen mainly in homosexual and bisexual men, however now the majority of new HIV infections are seen in drug users who share needles, and among women sexual partners of drug users (AIDS).
HIV Infection A medical condition in which the immune system is destroyed by a virus called as Human Immune Deficiency Virus is known as HIV infection. The loss of immune function deteriorates the ability of the body to fight against various types of pathogenic infections (caused by harmful micro-organisms) (Quinn). The virus attacks the immune cells of the body which are basically the white blood cells (CD4 T cells) due to
Although AIDS was first discussed in medical literature in 1981, recent evidence proves the HIV virus existed long before. The first documented infection, based on plasma samples, was from 1959 (Avert). The three most direct modes of HIV transmission between humans include sex, blood transfusions or needle sharing, and mother to infant. The HIV virus cannot survive long without a host body. Transmission therefore requires fresh bodily fluids and yet
HIV Nursing The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus (actually a lentivirus) that eventually causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS; World Health Organization [WHO], 2014). There are two subtypes of the HIV virus: HIV -- 1 in HIV -- 2 (the agent in the epidemiological triangle). Both are transmitted to the host (humans) via the exchange of bodily fluids such as by sexual contact, rectal contact, blood, or breast milk
They are also associated with drug abuse and addiction, which can increase HIV risk through needle sharing and through decreasing the likelihood that safer-sex practices (such as condom use) will be used." (A Positive Life Aids Service Organizations, 2009) VII. Management The individual who is newly diagnosed with HIV infection should provide a history that is complete followed by a physical examination to check for clinical manifestations of the disease. It
AIDS in Urban, Black America THE AIDS EPIDEMIC IN URBAN, BLACK AMERICA Most people think of the AIDS epidemic as something that happens only in Africa, and they do not realize how many people in this country must struggle with the disease. The problem with AIDS in this country is not confined to one gender, age group, sexual preference, or race, but urban, black communities do have a much larger number of
HIV and AIDS in Kenya Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a very deadly disease. This disease causes debilitating illness and ultimately causes early death in people who are in the prime of their lives. This illness has major affects on the families that are impacted. HIV / AIDS ruins the lives of many, those infected and their families. Children are orphaned, wives are widowed and
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