HIV/AIDS: Transmission, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

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Questions and Answers

What are the primary modes of transmission for HIV, and how can they be prevented?

HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles, mother-to-child transmission, and blood transfusions. Prevention methods include using condoms, getting tested regularly, and avoiding sharing needles or engaging in unsafe sex practices.

What are the symptoms of acute HIV infection, and how do they differ from chronic HIV infection?

Acute HIV infection symptoms include flu-like symptoms, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, which last for 1-2 weeks. Chronic HIV infection symptoms may be mild or non-existent, but can include fatigue, weight loss, and diarrhea, as well as opportunistic infections and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

What is the primary goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and how does it improve the quality of life for people living with HIV?

The primary goal of ART is to suppress HIV replication, reducing the viral load and slowing disease progression. This improves the quality of life and increases life expectancy for people living with HIV.

What is the purpose of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and how does it prevent HIV infection?

PEP is a treatment that involves taking ART within 72 hours of exposure to prevent HIV infection. It is effective in preventing infection if administered promptly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and who is it intended for?

PrEP is a prevention strategy that involves taking ART daily to prevent HIV infection in high-risk individuals, such as those who engage in unsafe sex practices or share needles. Signup and view all the answers

What are the global HIV statistics, and which regions are most affected by the epidemic?

Approximately 38 million people live with HIV, with 1.7 million new infections annually and 690,000 AIDS-related deaths annually. Sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected region, accounting for 24.7% of global cases. Signup and view all the answers

What is cryosectioning, and what is its typical application?

Cryosectioning is a technique used to section frozen samples into thin slices (typically 5-10 μm) for microscopic examination. It is often used in molecular biology and immunohistochemistry applications. Signup and view all the answers

What is histology, and what is the typical thickness of sections cut using a microtome?

Histology is the study of the microscopic structure of tissues. Microtomes are used to section tissue samples into thin slices (typically 5-10 μm) for histological examination. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of microtomes in microscopy, and what is the typical thickness of sections cut using a microtome?

Microtomes are used to prepare samples for microscopic examination by cutting thin sections (typically 2-10 μm) from paraffin-embedded or frozen samples. Signup and view all the answers

What is ultramicrotomy, and what is its typical application?

Ultramicrotomy is a technique used to section samples into extremely thin slices (typically 10-100 nm) for electron microscopy. Signup and view all the answers

What are the steps involved in preparing a sample for microtomy?

The steps involved in preparing a sample for microtomy are: fixation, dehydration, embedding, and sectioning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of embedding in sample preparation, and what materials are commonly used?

The purpose of embedding is to place the sample in a supporting medium to allow for sectioning. Commonly used materials for embedding include paraffin or resin. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Transmission

HIV is transmitted through:
- Sexual contact with an infected person (vaginal, anal, or oral)
- Sharing needles or syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood
- Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
- Blood transfusions from an HIV-infected donor (rare in developed countries)
HIV cannot be transmitted through:
- Casual contact (hugging, kissing, shaking hands)
- Air or water
- Mosquito bites

Symptoms

Acute HIV infection:
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat)
- Rash, swollen lymph nodes, or muscle and joint pain
- Symptoms may last for 1-2 weeks
Chronic HIV infection:
- No symptoms or mild symptoms (fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea)
- Opportunistic infections (e.g., pneumonia, tuberculosis)
- HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (e.g., dementia)

Treatment

Antiretroviral therapy (ART):
- Combination of medications to suppress HIV replication
- Reduces viral load and slows disease progression
- Improves quality of life and increases life expectancy
Treatment as prevention (TasP):
- ART reduces the risk of HIV transmission to sexual partners
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP):
- Taking ART within 72 hours of exposure to prevent HIV infection

Prevention

Safe sex practices:
- Using condoms or other barrier methods
- Getting tested regularly
Harm reduction strategies:
- Needle exchange programs
- Safe injection practices
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP):
- Taking ART daily to prevent HIV infection in high-risk individuals

Epidemiology

Global HIV statistics:
- Approximately 38 million people living with HIV
- 1.7 million new infections annually
- 690,000 AIDS-related deaths annually
HIV prevalence:
- Highest in sub-Saharan Africa (24.7% of global cases)
- Increasing in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Key affected populations:
- Men who have sex with men (MSM)
- People who inject drugs (PWID)
- Sex workers
- Migrants and refugees

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Description

Learn about the transmission, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of HIV/AIDS, including epidemiology and key affected populations. Understand how HIV is spread, its symptoms, and how to prevent infection.