Transcript: HIV & AIDS
Definition
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is caused by the
HIV virus. This virus attacks certain cells of the body's immune system. Over
time, the immune system becomes weak.
When the immune system starts to fail, the body is susceptible to life-threatening
infections and cancers. Eventually, these infections and cancers kill the person
who is infected with HIV.
Global Statistics
By the end of 2000, roughly 36.1 million people worldwide were living with HIV
or AIDS. 34.7 million adults and 1.4 million children younger than 15 years are
estimated to be infected. About 25.3 million or 70 percent of these cases are in Sub-Saharan
Africa. Another 5.8 million or 16 percent live in South and Southeast Asia. These numbers are
expected to grow even further as infection rates continue to rise in countries with poverty, poor
health systems, and limited resources for prevention and care.
HIV & Africa
Most of these cases will die in the next 10 years. In Africa, AIDS has already killed 13.7
million Africans, leaving behind shattered families and destroying hope for millions of people. In
general, the life expectancy at birth in southern Africa is expected to drop to just 45 years of age
between 2005 and 2010 because of AIDS. Without proper education and prevention, AIDS will
continue to spread around the world.
Sexual Transmission
So let's try to understand AIDS by examining the virus that causes it. HIV is spread from
person to person by a number of ways. The most common way that HIV is spread is through
unprotected sex. High-risk sexual behavior such as sex without a condom or having multiple
sexual partners is the most common way HIV is transmitted. Also, having sex while having a
sexually transmitted disease, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis, greatly increases the
chance of spreading HIV.
Recent information suggests that for every 10 African men infected there are between 12
and 13 African women currently infected. What are the reasons for this higher prevalence in
women? HIV is spread more effectively from males to females. Also, many women are starting to
have sex at a younger age. In fact, the initial age of infection for women is decreasing.
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Blood Transfusions
Another important way of HIV transmission is through blood transfusions. Blood
transfusions are given when someone is sick and requires blood. For example, during surgery a
person may need a blood transfusion. Blood for blood transfusions is collected at blood donation
centers. At these centers, people donate their blood for medical use. Unfortunately, some viruses
can be transmitted through blood transfusions, such as HIV. In developed countries, donated
blood is routinely checked for viruses and other contaminants. However, in developing countries
such as those in Africa and Asia, the technology for blood screening is not often available. For
this reason, contaminated blood is a major mode of HIV transmission
in places such as sub-Saharan Africa.
Contaminated Needles
HIV can also be transmitted through the use of contaminated needles. Hospital needles
should only be used once and then properly disregarded. People who use IV drugs, such as
heroin, often share needles and reuse them many times. HIV transmission is high among those
who use IV drugs.
Myths About HIV
It is important to know that HIV cannot be transmitted by casual contact with HIV
infected people, like shaking hands or even kissing. The HIV virus is not spread through the air
either. The HIV virus needs some sort of biological fluid to transfer itself to another person.
Usually this fluid is blood.
Life Cycle
So how does HIV affect the body? Let's look at the life cycle of HIV. When HIV is
contracted, it circulates in the blood and spreads throughout the body. When the HIV virus finds
a cell called the CD4 cell, it attaches to it. The CD4 cell is very important in helping the body
fight infections. The virus enters this cell and begins to multiply. As it begins to create more
viruses, the CD4 cell cannot properly function.
In essence, the CD4 cell has become a factory for producing even more HIV viruses. Finally, the
CD4 cell dies and all the newly formed HIV viruses are released back into the blood stream.
These new viruses then seek out other CD4 cells. The cycle repeats itself until the body's CD4
level is so low that the person can not fight infections and cancer. Eventually, this is what kills
the HIV infected person.
Treatment
Today, there is no cure for AIDS. Scientists have developed ways of helping the body
fight HIV. Many of the new drugs that fight HIV are available in the developed countries, but are
not as available in countries in Africa and Asia. Also, these drugs are very expensive and must be
taken several times a day. People who take these drugs also report feeling weak and sick. While
these drugs may prolong the person's life, no drug can cure a person with HIV. Scientists have
also been trying to develop vaccines against HIV but this has not been successful.
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Prevention
Prevention is the best way to fight HIV infection. Safe sex should always be practiced by
using a condom properly. A condom should never be used more than once, and should be
checked for tears or holes. Individuals should avoid having more than one sexual partner and
avoid sex completely if there are open sores or lesions on the genitals. IV drug use should also be
stopped completely. Hospital needles should never be used twice and should be disposed of
properly to avoid accidents. Donated blood should be screened before making it available for
blood transfusion. The ELISA test is performed in a laboratory for HIV screening of donated
blood.
Diagnostic Tests
People who may be at risk for HIV should be tested frequently. The Hema-Strip HIV test
can give accurate results in just five minutes. It does not require special machines or lab
conditions and is effective for testing for HIV in the field.
The Hema-strip HIV is very simple to use. First, prick the finger with the lancet. Next,
place the capillary tip of the sampler on the blood drop. Carefully remove the buffer vial from
the top of the sampler. Gently push the capillary tip of the sampler completely into the buffer.
Wait five minutes for the results to appear. One red line indicates that the test is negative. This
means that the test was performed appropriately and that the blood sample does not contain
antibodies to the HIV virus. Two red lines indicate that the test is positive and that the person is
infected with the HIV virus.
Closing Remarks
Even though there is no cure for AIDS, educating the HIV positive person about
AIDS and high-risk behavior can help decrease transmission to others. Also, as more effective
drugs become available, HIV infected individuals can begin to lead a normal life.
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