What type of virus is HIV, and what cells does it target?
HIV is a retrovirus that targets and destroys CD4 cells of the immune system.
When is someone considered to have AIDS?
When their CD4 count falls below 200 cells/microlitre and/or they develop AIDS-defining illnesses.
What is the biggest risk to mortality and morbidity in HIV patients?
Delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Who should start ART and when?
All HIV-positive patients should start ART immediately, regardless of CD4 count
What does standard first-line ART include?
Two NRTIs + one of the following: an integrase inhibitor (INI), a NNRTI, or a boosted protease inhibitor (PI).
What is the recommended ART in pregnancy?
NRTI backbone (tenofovir disoproxil or abacavir + emtricitabine or lamivudine) + efavirenz or boosted atazanavir.
Should women already on ART before conception continue it during pregnancy?
Yes, if effective and well-tolerated.
Should HIV-positive mothers breastfeed?
No, breastfeeding increases the risk of HIV transmission to the infant.
Who is eligible for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)?
High-risk individuals, such as men/transgender people having unprotected anal sex with men, or partners of HIV-positive people.
What is the standard PrEP regimen?
Emtricitabine with tenofovir disoproxil; tenofovir alone may be used if emtricitabine is contraindicated.
When is post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) recommended?
After significant exposure to HIV, such as via contaminated materials or high-risk sexual contact
What is the PEP regimen?
Emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil + raltegravir for 28 days.
Name examples of NRTIs
Abacavir, emtricitabine, lamivudine, tenofovir (TAF & TDF), zidovudine
Name examples of NNRTIs.
Efavirenz, rilpivirine, nevirapine, etravirine, doravirine.
Name examples of protease inhibitors (PIs).
Atazanavir, darunavir, lopinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir.
Name examples of integrase inhibitors (INIs).
Dolutegravir, raltegravir, elvitegravir, bictegravir, cabotegravir.
What do pharmacokinetic enhancers like ritonavir and cobicistat do?
They boost the levels of other antiretrovirals by inhibiting metabolism.
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Respiratory Infections treatment summaries8
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Skin Infections Treatment summaries7
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GI infections treatment summaries10
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UTIs9
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CNS infections3
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Genital system infections6
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Blood infections4
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ENT infections4
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Musculoskeletal infections2
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Malaria Prophylaxis9
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Malaria Treatment5
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Aminoglycosides5
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notifiabe diseases1
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cephalosporins6
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penicillins4
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HIV17
