Human Immunodeficiency Virus (more commonly known as HIV) is a disease that has been around for over 3 decades, and continues to rise with little to no sign of eradication. The origin of HIV is not certain but there are several theories with the most popular one being that it came from a mutation of a similar virus found in chimpanzees. An estimated 35 million people are living with HIV around the world. Because of this, many scientists are doing research to try to pinpoint the mechanism of its transmission with hopes in finding some type of cure because as of today, there is no cure. In this paper I will break down the disease and talk about the mechanism of the virus itself, transmission, prevalence, symptoms, treatment and preventative measures.
…show more content…
If any one of these fluids come in contact with a mucous membrane or get injected directly into the bloodstream, the transmission will then occur. Once introduced within the body, the HIV virus binds to the surface of the CD4 cell. The HIV envelope and CD4 cell membrane will then fuse which allows HIV to enter the CD4 cell. Once it has entered the cell, the virus will release and use reverse transcriptase to convert its genetic material to the DNA. It will then enter the cell nucleus and combine with the cell genetic material. The cell will now make long chains of HIV proteins that are the building blocks for the HIV. Once all this is occurred it will exist the cell and replicate to spread to the rest of the body. It is important to note that one of the people has to already have HIV in order to pass on to the other person it can not just be created in the act of the high-risk …show more content…
In certain stages of HIV there can be no symptoms so the only way to really know if you have it or not is to go get tested for it. The most common HIV test is the antibody-screening test, which tests for a high count of certain antibodies that your body creates in order to fight against HIV. If you test positive for this test you will then do a follow-up test which can include an antibody differentiation test that will tell you which form of HIV you have – HIV1 or HIV2. Many people may be concerned of other finding out they have HIV which will cause them to not want to go in for testing, however all testing is confidential and there is even anonymous testing available. If you take the test within 3 months of exposure it is possible that you can get a false reading, which is why it is important to wait a full 3 months before you want to take an accurate test with reading. During that 3-month window, you should be extremely precautious in your actions with others so that you don’t expose the infection to others just incase you are carrying it. If you get a positive result it is important that you find a doctor that will continue to screen your health even if you are not feeling any symptoms. If you have a regular doctor then they will be able to treat you with full knowledge of all your medical history and be ready to take the next step whenever it is that you seek different
If any one of these fluids come in contact with a mucous membrane or get injected directly into the bloodstream, the transmission will then occur. Once introduced within the body, the HIV virus binds to the surface of the CD4 cell. The HIV envelope and CD4 cell membrane will then fuse which allows HIV to enter the CD4 cell. Once it has entered the cell, the virus will release and use reverse transcriptase to convert its genetic material to the DNA. It will then enter the cell nucleus and combine with the cell genetic material. The cell will now make long chains of HIV proteins that are the building blocks for the HIV. Once all this is occurred it will exist the cell and replicate to spread to the rest of the body. It is important to note that one of the people has to already have HIV in order to pass on to the other person it can not just be created in the act of the high-risk …show more content…
In certain stages of HIV there can be no symptoms so the only way to really know if you have it or not is to go get tested for it. The most common HIV test is the antibody-screening test, which tests for a high count of certain antibodies that your body creates in order to fight against HIV. If you test positive for this test you will then do a follow-up test which can include an antibody differentiation test that will tell you which form of HIV you have – HIV1 or HIV2. Many people may be concerned of other finding out they have HIV which will cause them to not want to go in for testing, however all testing is confidential and there is even anonymous testing available. If you take the test within 3 months of exposure it is possible that you can get a false reading, which is why it is important to wait a full 3 months before you want to take an accurate test with reading. During that 3-month window, you should be extremely precautious in your actions with others so that you don’t expose the infection to others just incase you are carrying it. If you get a positive result it is important that you find a doctor that will continue to screen your health even if you are not feeling any symptoms. If you have a regular doctor then they will be able to treat you with full knowledge of all your medical history and be ready to take the next step whenever it is that you seek different