HIV Life Cycle and Infection Stages

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus that primarily targets the immune system, specifically CD4 T cells.

HIV is spread through various means: sexual contact, sharing needles, contact with contaminated blood, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

HIV destroys CD4 T cells, which are crucial white blood cells that help the body fight off infections. Without these cells, the immune system becomes severely weakened, making individuals susceptible to various illnesses.

HIV-1 is the most common type of HIV, responsible for the majority of infections globally. HIV-2 is primarily found in West Africa and generally progresses more slowly to AIDS.

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) is a type of HIV found in chimpanzees. It is believed to have jumped from chimpanzees to humans, likely through contact with infected blood during hunting activities.

HIV incidence refers to the number of new HIV infections occurring during a specific period. It indicates the rate at which the virus is spreading.

HIV prevalence refers to the total number of people living with HIV at a specific point in time. It reflects the overall burden of the virus in a population.

The number of newly infected individuals with HIV in a population during a specific period.

The total number of people living with HIV in a population at a specific point in time.

A retrovirus that primarily targets the immune system, specifically CD4 T cells.

A key component of the immune system that helps fight off infections. HIV specifically destroys these cells, leaving the body vulnerable.

A program created by the Sudan government in 2004 to combat HIV/AIDS. It sets targets to reduce transmission through different paths, like sexual transmission and transmission among injection drug users, as well as preventing mother-to-child transmission.

A country with a low prevalence of HIV infection, with an estimated 0.2% to 0.3% prevalence rate among individuals aged 15 to 49.

The transmission of HIV from a pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

A group of people who are at a higher risk of contracting a disease such as HIV due to their behaviors or circumstances.

CD4 cells are a type of white blood cell that are critical in fighting off infections. HIV specifically targets and uses CD4 cells to reproduce.

The HIV life cycle describes the seven stages HIV goes through to multiply and spread in the body.

Acute HIV infection is the first stage, often occurring within 2-6 weeks after infection. It's when the immune system fights back.

Clinical latency, or chronic HIV infection, is the second stage. The virus multiplies at a low level, and people may not feel sick.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection. The immune system weakens significantly, leaving the body vulnerable.

Headache, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes are common symptoms of acute HIV infection. These symptoms are the body's immune response fighting the virus.

HIV infection can be divided into three stages: Acute HIV infection, clinical latency, and AIDS.

People with HIV can live long and healthy lives with proper treatment. Therapy helps prevent the virus from multiplying and weakening the immune system.

A type of HIV test that looks for evidence of the virus in a person's blood or saliva. This test measures the body's immune response to HIV.

HIV tests that can detect HIV sooner than antibody tests, as they search for both antibodies and a specific protein produced by the virus (p24 antigen) before the body develops antibodies.

A type of HIV test that looks for the virus's genetic material directly in the blood. This test is highly sensitive and can detect HIV very early in the course of infection.

The number of copies of HIV present in a person's blood. A higher viral load indicates a greater risk of transmitting the virus to others.

A type of HIV treatment that involves taking a combination of antiretroviral drugs, which can slow down the progression of HIV infection and prevent HIV-related illnesses.

A strategy to prevent HIV infection by taking antiretroviral drugs before being exposed to the virus. It is recommended for individuals at high risk of HIV infection.

A type of HIV treatment that involves injections of medications instead of taking pills. This is an alternative option for those who cannot take oral medications or prefer a different route of administration.

A type of HIV treatment that involves taking pills prescribed by a health care provider. This is the most common method of HIV treatment.