Human Immunodeficiency Virus CAT

Question 1

What is HIV?

Answer 1

• A retrovirus that initially invades and destroys cells w/in the immune system

Question 2

At what point will a patient show symptoms of HIV?

Answer 2

Once T-cells decrease to a specific threshold

Question 3

How is HIV transmitted?

Answer 3

Through contact w/ blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk

Question 4

Largest risk factor for HIV transmission

Answer 4

Unprotected sex

Question 5

Stages of HIV

Answer 5

• Acute HIV infection
• Clinical Latency/Asymptomatic HIV
• AIDS

Question 6

Stage 1: Acute HIV infection

Answer 6

• 2-4 weeks after initial transmission
• Symptoms range from asymptomatic to flu-like symptoms (fever, rash, myalgia, arthralgia, headaches)
• Highest risk of transmitting to others

Question 7

Stage 2: Clinical Latency/Asymptomatic HIV

Answer 7

• ART can prolong life for decades
• W/o ART it’s about 10 years before disease progresses to AIDS

Question 8

Stage 3: AIDS

Answer 8

• # of CD4 drops below 200 cells/mm^3
• AIDS-defining illness
• W/o treatment, 3 years before death
• After opportunistic illness, 1 year before death

Question 9

Lab/imaging for HIV

Answer 9

• Blood tests

Question 10

Normal T-call count

Answer 10

500-1200 cells/mm^3

Question 11

PT management w/ HIV

Answer 11

Address secondary impairments to optimize fitness