Etiology
Symptoms
Prevention and Treatment
HIV / AIDS is one of the most prevalent and devastating diseases in the world today. It has already killed millions throughout the world, especially in developing countries like Africa. I chose this topic due to the importance of HIV for world heath issues and because of the larger social issues that this virus has for many countries. The statistics over the last decades are evidence of the growth and devastating effect of this virus. The total number of recorded deaths due to HIV / AIDS, between 1981 and 2003, was a staggering 20-million. The number of children in Sub-Saharan Africa who were orphaned by the end of 2003 was an estimated 12-million. Later figures indicate that the situation in Africa is not improving, with these figures increasing in 2004, especially among women in Africa. “By December 2004 women accounted for 47% of all people living with HIV worldwide, and for 57% in sub-Saharan Africa.” (World HIV and Aids Statistics)
HIV / AIDS infect not only individuals but entire societies. ” … Aids migrated to man in Africa, it mutated into a complex plaque with … social, economic and political dynamics that … accelerate the virus’ progress. (Death Stalks a Continent)
2. Definition
The Term HIV / AIDS refers to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which is caused by the HIV virus. HIV refers to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS itself refers to the complex of diseases that result from the HIV attack and intrusion on the human defense or immune system. The term syndrome means a “group of health problems that make up a disease.” An individual is HIV positive when the body creates antibodies to fight the HIV virus. “When you get a blood test for HIV, the test looks for these antibodies. If you have them in your blood, it means that you have HIV infection. People who have the HIV antibodies are called “HIV-Positive.” (What Is AIDS
There is therefore a connection but also a difference between being HIV positive, or having the HIV virus, and having AIDS.
Being HIV-positive, or having HIV disease, is not the same as having AIDS. Many people are HIV-positive but don’t get sick for many years. As HIV disease continues, it slowly wears down the immune system. Viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria that usually don’t cause any problems can make you very sick if your immune system is damaged. These are called “opportunistic infections.” (ibid)
3. Etiology
Infection from the HIV virus is caused though direct transmission from person to person in a number of possible ways. The most common ways in which the virus is transmitted is though social contact with an infected person; though contaminated needles; and though transmission to a baby from an infected mother or though infected mother’s milk. Infection through blood transfusions has also been recorded. However, in most countries blood transfusions are now more strictly controlled and screened and the risk of this mode of infection is extremely low.
The HIV Virus functions in the body by attaching to living cells. This relates to the fact that the virus cannot produce without parasitically attaching itself to a living cell in the body. The virus mainly targets an immune cell known as a lymphocyte; or more specifically “a CD4 helper cell, a type of T-cell.” (Pieribone, D.)
The T-cell’s are a vital part of the immune system as they facilitate the body’s response and ability to combat many potential fatal infections. Without T-Cells the body is unable to provide the necessary degree of protection against opportunistic infections. The HIV’s life cycle in effect reduces the amount of T-cells within the human body, which in turn results in greater susceptibility to infection. The process though which this occurs is not completely understood. (ibid) The HIV virus will in effect “hijack the T-Cells Cellular machinery” (ibid) and will then reproduce thousands of copies of the virus, which will invade more T-cells, further reducing the resistance of the body and increasing the propensity for opportunistic disease and full- blown AIDS. There are many steps before the process of viral duplication of the HIV virus is completed. An example of part of this complex process is as follows.
Once HIV comes into contact with a T-cell, it must attach itself to the cell so that it can fuse with the cell and inject its genetic material (a blueprint for making more HIV) into it. Attachment is a specific binding between proteins on the surface of the virus and proteins that serve as receptors on the surface of the T-cell. Normally, these receptors help the cell communicate with other cells. Two receptors in particular, CD4 and a beta-chemokine receptor (either CCR5 or CXCR4), are used by HIV to latch onto the cell. On the surface of the viral envelope, two sets of proteins (also known as antireceptors) called gp120 and gp41 attach to CD4 and CCR5/CXCR4. (Pieribone, D)
4. Symptoms
Initially, after a few weeks, once the amount of HIV in the blood increases there can be flu-like symptoms, but this is not the case with every infected individual. This initial stage is known as “acute infection.” (Acute HIV Infection) Other symptoms that can indicate the presence of HIV include fever, fatigue, and rash as well as headache, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, feeling achy, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and night sweats. (ibid)
The infection by the HIV virus becomes AIDS when the immune system is seriously damaged and can no longer protect itself from infection. More specifically this occurs when the human body has less than “200 CD4+ cells or if your CD4+ percentage is less than 14% … ” (What is AIDS?: Aids Org) The most common opportunistic infections that the HIV patent can get include PCP (Pneumocystis pneumonia), KS (Kaposi’s sarcoma), a form of skin cancer, CMV or Cytomegalovirus, as well as Candida, a fungal infection that can cause thrush. Aids related disease can also result in weight loss and brain tumors, as well as a host of other ailments. (ibid)
5. Prevention and Treatment
One of the ways that are being investigated to prevent HIV infection and to minimize its spread is based on the knowledge of how the HIV virus functions. Drugs which inhibit the virus and block its ability to gain access to the T-cells are being developed. These are known as attachment or early inhibitors.
These drugs block the interaction between the cellular receptors and the antireceptor on the virus by binding to or altering the receptor sites …. Scientists are also examining vaccines that may help the body block these receptors. (Pieribone, D.)
The only prognosis for full-blown AIDS at present is eventual deterioration of the immune system (usually five to ten years) culminating in death. There is no cure for the disease, yet there are a number of drugs on the market and in development that can retard and slow the development of the virus.
Antiretroviral treatment is at present the best way of retarding the spread of the HIV virus in the body. It is not a cure but it can help to prolong life and stop the spread of the virus. There are three main groups of anti-HIV drugs that are presently used to combat the virus. Each of these groups attacks the virus in different ways. These are the Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors; the Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors and the Protease Inhibitors. (ibid)
Anti-HIV or antiretroviral medications are used only to control the reproduction of the virus and to slow the development of the disease. Usually treatment consists of a combination of two to three Anti-HIV medications together. It should also be noted that anti-HIV drugs do not strop the ability of the infected person to contaminate others.
The following are some of the most well-known Anti-HIV classes and medications which have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
1. Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)
NNRTI’s bind to and disable reverse transcriptase, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself. (Approved Medications to Treat HIV Infection) This group includes the following generic brands.
Delavirdine
Efavirenz
Nevirapine
Nevirapine, under the brand name Viramune is the most well-known compound. It requires a daily dosage for adults of 200mg 2X daily. (Background Information on Fourteen FDA Approved HIV / AIDS Drugs.) Delavirdine requires a higher dosage of 400mg 3X daily, while Efavirenz requires 600mg 1X daily
2. Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)
‘NRTIs are faulty versions of building blocks that HIV needs to make more copies of itself. When HIV uses an NRTI instead of a normal building block, reproduction of the virus is stalled.” (ibid) These include numerous generic brands. One of the most well- known medications in this group is Zidovudine or AZT. The normal adult dosage is 200mg 3X daily, or 300mg 2X daily. (ibid) Another drug in this group is Didanosine or DDL. The adult dosage for this medication is 200mg 2X daily ( ibid)
3. Protease Inhibitors (PIs)
PIs disable protease, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself. (Approved Medications to Treat HIV Infection) In this group Saquinavir requires an adult dosage of 1,200mg 3X daily; while Ritonavir requires 600mg 2X daily
6. Conclusion.
The continued increase in HIV infections and AIDS related deaths is a cause for alarm, particularly in developing areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa. The figures and statistics speak for themselves and the growing number of those infected is having a dramatic effect on parts of the world.
During 2004 around five million adults and children became infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the virus that causes AIDS. By the end of the year, an estimated 39.4 million people worldwide were living with HIV / AIDS. The year also saw more than three million deaths from AIDS, despite the availability of HIV antiretroviral therapy which reduced the number of deaths in high income countries. (World HIV and Aids Statistics)
The problem of HIV infections is also compounded by the increasing need for reduced medicines in developing countries.
Bibliography
Approved Medications to Treat HIV Infection. 2004. Accessed January 3, 2004 http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/other/cbrochure/english/05_en.html
Acute HIV Infection. New Mexico AIDS InfoNet. 2004. http://www.thebody.com/nmai/acute_infection.html
Background Information on Fourteen FDA Approved HIV / AIDS Drugs. Consumer projects on technology. 2000. Accessed January 4, 2004. http://www.cptech.org/ip/health/aids/druginfo.html
Death Stalks a Continent. Time Magazine, February 12, 2001
Word HIV and Aids Statistics. Avert. 2004 http://www.avert.org/worldstats.htm
Pieribone, D) The HIV Life Cycle Acria. 2003. http://www.thebody.com/cria winter03/hiv_lifecycle.html /
What Is AIDS?) New Mexico AIDS InfoNet. 2003. http://www.thebody.com/nmai/whatisaids.html
What is AIDS?: Aids Org. 2003. http://www.aids.org/factSheets/101-what-is-aids.html
Get Professional Assignment Help Cheaply
Are you busy and do not have time to handle your assignment? Are you scared that your paper will not make the grade? Do you have responsibilities that may hinder you from turning in your assignment on time? Are you tired and can barely handle your assignment? Are your grades inconsistent?
Whichever your reason is, it is valid! You can get professional academic help from our service at affordable rates. We have a team of professional academic writers who can handle all your assignments.
Why Choose Our Academic Writing Service?
- Plagiarism free papers
- Timely delivery
- Any deadline
- Skilled, Experienced Native English Writers
- Subject-relevant academic writer
- Adherence to paper instructions
- Ability to tackle bulk assignments
- Reasonable prices
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Get superb grades consistently
Online Academic Help With Different Subjects
Literature
Students barely have time to read. We got you! Have your literature essay or book review written without having the hassle of reading the book. You can get your literature paper custom-written for you by our literature specialists.
Finance
Do you struggle with finance? No need to torture yourself if finance is not your cup of tea. You can order your finance paper from our academic writing service and get 100% original work from competent finance experts.
Computer science
Computer science is a tough subject. Fortunately, our computer science experts are up to the match. No need to stress and have sleepless nights. Our academic writers will tackle all your computer science assignments and deliver them on time. Let us handle all your python, java, ruby, JavaScript, php , C+ assignments!
Psychology
While psychology may be an interesting subject, you may lack sufficient time to handle your assignments. Don’t despair; by using our academic writing service, you can be assured of perfect grades. Moreover, your grades will be consistent.
Engineering
Engineering is quite a demanding subject. Students face a lot of pressure and barely have enough time to do what they love to do. Our academic writing service got you covered! Our engineering specialists follow the paper instructions and ensure timely delivery of the paper.
Nursing
In the nursing course, you may have difficulties with literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, critical essays, and other assignments. Our nursing assignment writers will offer you professional nursing paper help at low prices.
Sociology
Truth be told, sociology papers can be quite exhausting. Our academic writing service relieves you of fatigue, pressure, and stress. You can relax and have peace of mind as our academic writers handle your sociology assignment.
Business
We take pride in having some of the best business writers in the industry. Our business writers have a lot of experience in the field. They are reliable, and you can be assured of a high-grade paper. They are able to handle business papers of any subject, length, deadline, and difficulty!
Statistics
We boast of having some of the most experienced statistics experts in the industry. Our statistics experts have diverse skills, expertise, and knowledge to handle any kind of assignment. They have access to all kinds of software to get your assignment done.
Law
Writing a law essay may prove to be an insurmountable obstacle, especially when you need to know the peculiarities of the legislative framework. Take advantage of our top-notch law specialists and get superb grades and 100% satisfaction.
What discipline/subjects do you deal in?
We have highlighted some of the most popular subjects we handle above. Those are just a tip of the iceberg. We deal in all academic disciplines since our writers are as diverse. They have been drawn from across all disciplines, and orders are assigned to those writers believed to be the best in the field. In a nutshell, there is no task we cannot handle; all you need to do is place your order with us. As long as your instructions are clear, just trust we shall deliver irrespective of the discipline.
Are your writers competent enough to handle my paper?
Our essay writers are graduates with bachelor's, masters, Ph.D., and doctorate degrees in various subjects. The minimum requirement to be an essay writer with our essay writing service is to have a college degree. All our academic writers have a minimum of two years of academic writing. We have a stringent recruitment process to ensure that we get only the most competent essay writers in the industry. We also ensure that the writers are handsomely compensated for their value. The majority of our writers are native English speakers. As such, the fluency of language and grammar is impeccable.
What if I don’t like the paper?
There is a very low likelihood that you won’t like the paper.
Reasons being:
- When assigning your order, we match the paper’s discipline with the writer’s field/specialization. Since all our writers are graduates, we match the paper’s subject with the field the writer studied. For instance, if it’s a nursing paper, only a nursing graduate and writer will handle it. Furthermore, all our writers have academic writing experience and top-notch research skills.
- We have a quality assurance that reviews the paper before it gets to you. As such, we ensure that you get a paper that meets the required standard and will most definitely make the grade.
In the event that you don’t like your paper:
- The writer will revise the paper up to your pleasing. You have unlimited revisions. You simply need to highlight what specifically you don’t like about the paper, and the writer will make the amendments. The paper will be revised until you are satisfied. Revisions are free of charge
- We will have a different writer write the paper from scratch.
- Last resort, if the above does not work, we will refund your money.
Will the professor find out I didn’t write the paper myself?
Not at all. All papers are written from scratch. There is no way your tutor or instructor will realize that you did not write the paper yourself. In fact, we recommend using our assignment help services for consistent results.
What if the paper is plagiarized?
We check all papers for plagiarism before we submit them. We use powerful plagiarism checking software such as SafeAssign, LopesWrite, and Turnitin. We also upload the plagiarism report so that you can review it. We understand that plagiarism is academic suicide. We would not take the risk of submitting plagiarized work and jeopardize your academic journey. Furthermore, we do not sell or use prewritten papers, and each paper is written from scratch.
When will I get my paper?
You determine when you get the paper by setting the deadline when placing the order. All papers are delivered within the deadline. We are well aware that we operate in a time-sensitive industry. As such, we have laid out strategies to ensure that the client receives the paper on time and they never miss the deadline. We understand that papers that are submitted late have some points deducted. We do not want you to miss any points due to late submission. We work on beating deadlines by huge margins in order to ensure that you have ample time to review the paper before you submit it.
Will anyone find out that I used your services?
We have a privacy and confidentiality policy that guides our work. We NEVER share any customer information with third parties. Noone will ever know that you used our assignment help services. It’s only between you and us. We are bound by our policies to protect the customer’s identity and information. All your information, such as your names, phone number, email, order information, and so on, are protected. We have robust security systems that ensure that your data is protected. Hacking our systems is close to impossible, and it has never happened.
How our Assignment Help Service Works
1. Place an order
You fill all the paper instructions in the order form. Make sure you include all the helpful materials so that our academic writers can deliver the perfect paper. It will also help to eliminate unnecessary revisions.
2. Pay for the order
Proceed to pay for the paper so that it can be assigned to one of our expert academic writers. The paper subject is matched with the writer’s area of specialization.
3. Track the progress
You communicate with the writer and know about the progress of the paper. The client can ask the writer for drafts of the paper. The client can upload extra material and include additional instructions from the lecturer. Receive a paper.
4. Download the paper
The paper is sent to your email and uploaded to your personal account. You also get a plagiarism report attached to your paper.
PLACE THIS ORDER OR A SIMILAR ORDER WITH US TODAY AND GET A PERFECT SCORE!!!
