HIV, AIDS & Immunisation Flashcards
What makes up HIV?
A viral envelope encloses a capsid with two single strands of HIV RNA
- gp120 (surface protein)
- gp41 (anchor protein)
- Intergrase
- Reverse transcriptase
Why is integrase required in HIV?
Required for replication
What is integrase inhibited by?
Raltegravir
Why is reverse transcriptase required in HIV?
Generates dsDNA which is then incorporated into the host DNA by integrase
What inhibits reverse transcriptase?
Retrovir
When was the first case of AIDS?
1981
What does AIDS stand for?
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
What does HIV stand for?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
3 risk factors of becoming HIV positive
- high number of sexual partners
- recreational drug use
- haemophiliacs (from donated blood)
How can HIV be transmitted?
- Blood and blood products
- Vaginal mucus and secretions
- Semen
- Any body fluid that is mixed with infected blood
- Breast milk
What is the asymptomatic period?
One is HIV positive but looks and feels healthy for up to 15 years. No visible symptoms
What is the first phase of contracting HIV?
The acute phase in which the virus replicates rapidly and kills CD4 T cells
What is CD4?
A receptor on specific T cells which aids in binding of macrophages
What is the second phase of contracting HIV?
Chronic phase in which there is a slow but steady trop in T cell count - destroyed by immune system and lysed by virus
What is the final phase of contracting HIV?
AIDS - when T cell count is <200 cells per cc of blood
