AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which destroys cells of the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and certain cancers. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection and is characterized by extremely low levels of CD4 T cells, which leads to opportunistic infections and tumors. Without appropriate treatment, the disease can lead to death within a few years of infection. AIDS is a serious public and medical disease that requires a comprehensive approach to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
History of the disease and interesting historical facts
The history of AIDS dates back to the early 1980s, when cases of pneumohypothetic pneumonia and Kaposi's sarcoma were reported in previously healthy men in the United States. In 1983, HIV was identified as the causative agent of the disease, and in 1986, the term AIDS entered medical practice. Interestingly, the virus may have already existed in human populations in the 1970s, but was unnoticed by the medical community. Over the next decades, various diagnostic and treatment methods were developed, significantly improving the prognosis for patients. An important milestone was the advent of antiretroviral therapy in 1996, which radically changed the approach to treating HIV infection.
Epidemiology
The epidemiology of HIV/AIDS remains particularly relevant at the global level. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at the end of 2021, about 38 million people in the world were living with HIV, of which 1.5 million were new cases. The number of new cases has been declining slightly over the past ten years, but in some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, the incidence rate remains extremely high. Particularly vulnerable groups are:
- Men who have sexual relations with men.
- People who use injection drugs.
- Sexual partners of HIV-positive individuals.
- Women and children living in areas with high infection rates.
Genetic predisposition to this disease
There are certain genetic factors that can influence susceptibility to HIV infection. Studies of genes associated with susceptibility to this virus have shown that different mutations in genes such as CCR5 can either increase or decrease the risk of infection. CCR5 is the receptor through which HIV enters T-lymphocytes. People with the CCR5 delta-32 mutation have protection against this type of virus. In addition, some variants of genes responsible for the immune response can contribute to the development or worsening of the disease in HIV-positive patients.
Risk factors for the development of this disease
Risk factors that contribute to HIV infection are varied and may include both physical and chemical influences. These include:
- Unsystematic use of barrier methods of contraception.
- Use of injectable drugs without sterile needles.
- Sexual contact with carriers of the virus.
- Lack of regular check-ups and preventive measures.
- Poor quality of medical care, especially in areas with high incidence rates.
Diagnosis of this disease
Diagnosis of HIV infection involves many steps and means. The main symptoms to look out for may include:
- Fever and sweating.
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
- Weight loss and fatigue.
- Skin rashes and itching.
Laboratory tests, such as HIV serology and viral load tests, can confirm the diagnosis. Radiological tests, such as chest X-rays, may be needed to detect opportunistic infections. Differential diagnosis is also important to rule out other diseases that cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment of HIV and AIDS involves a comprehensive approach, the main goal of which is to reduce the viral load and maintain the functions of the immune system. Pharmacological treatment includes the use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), such as reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease and integrase. Surgical treatment may be necessary to eliminate opportunistic infections, such as pneumonia or Kaposi's sarcoma. Additional treatments are also used, including psychological support and social rehabilitation to improve the quality of life of patients.
List of medications used to treat this disease
The main classes of antiretroviral drugs include:
- Reverse transcriptase inhibitors (such as zidovudine, lamivudine).
- Protease inhibitors (taveprevir, litrazepir).
- Integrase inhibitors (raltegravir, dolutegravir).
- Non-hereditary antiretroviral drugs (biseptol).
Disease monitoring
Patient monitoring includes regular viral load testing and CD4 T-cell counts. The prognosis for patients with well-controlled HIV infection has improved significantly, but possible complications such as cardiovascular and endocrine diseases, and opportunistic infections must be considered.
Age-related features of the disease
HIV infection manifests itself differently in different age groups. In young children, infection can occur both perinatally and through breast milk. Adolescents and young adults often experience high levels of stigma and lack of access to medical care, which complicates diagnosis. Elderly patients, in turn, often have problems with concomitant diseases and socialization.
Questions and Answers
- How is HIV transmitted? HIV is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk from an infected person.
- How often should you get tested for HIV? It is recommended to have testing done at least once a year, especially if there are risk factors.
- What are the symptoms of HIV infection? Symptoms can vary, but often include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Can HIV be cured? Currently, HIV is considered a chronic disease, but with proper treatment it can be controlled.
- How to protect yourself from infection? Using barrier methods of contraception, not using injection drugs, and having regular medical checkups can help reduce the risk of infection.
Advice from Dr. Oleg Korzhikov
Dr. Korzhikov emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment of HIV: “Every person should be tested for HIV at least once a year, especially if they have risk factors. If the result is positive, do not panic – there are modern treatment methods that help you live a full life.” In addition, he advises avoiding stigmatization of people with HIV infection and supporting open discussion of this disease in society in order to reduce the level of fear and misunderstanding.
