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Definition:

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a severe immunological condition caused by the HIV retrovirus, resulting in a defect in cell-mediated immune system (the system in your body that helps fight infections). It is manifested by increased susceptibility to infections and some cancers.

What is AIDS and what are causes of AIDS?

In this condition white blood cells (known as lymphocytes) are destroyed by the HIV retrovirus.  As a result the body loses its ability to fight against infection and disease.  HIV is transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or blood stream with HIV-infected blood, semen, breast milk, pre-seminal fluids or vaginal fluids. Exposure to these fluids can occur due to:

·         oral, anal or vaginal sex 

·         breastfeeding

·         blood transfusion

·         contaminated hypodermic needles

·         childbirth

·         Infected placenta etc.

What are Symptoms of AIDS?

Certain infections which are not common in people with a healthy immune system are seen more often in people with AIDS. Usually these infections are caused by fungi, virus, bacteria or parasites which cannot flourish in the presence of a healthy immune system. Therefore, development of such infections is an indication of a compromised immune system.

Some of the infections which are indicative of AIDS are discussed below:

·         Fungal infection in esophagus (swallowing tube leading to stomach) is common in people infected by HIV. This infection is known as Esophagitis.

·         Bacterial or parasitic infections can cause unexplained diarrhea in people infected by HIV.

·         Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is common among people affected by HIV. It is usually not found in people with healthy immune system.

·         Tuberculosis (TB) is very common among people with HIV infection.

·         Several tumors and cancers are common among people affected by HIV. Kaposi’s sarcoma (KP) is one of the most common tumors in HIV patients. Usually it appears as purplish nodules on the skin but it can affect other body parts such as mouth, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.

·         Cervical cancer is also common among HIV infected patients.  It is caused by human Papillomavirus (HPV).

How is AIDS diagnosed?

AIDS is diagnosed in people who:

·         Have been infected with the HIV virus. 

AND

·         Have a white blood cell count of less than 200 CD4+ T cells per cubic millimeter of blood (healthy people, on average, have around 1000 CD4+ T cells per millimeter of blood or CD4+ cells accounting for less than 14% of all white blood cells known as lymphocytes. 

OR

·         Have an AIDS defining disease/illness such as Candidiasis, Tuberculosis, Cervical cancer, etc. 

CD4+ T cells are white blood cells, or cells that fight infection and disease. 

Testing for the HIV virus is done by testing for the presence of anti-HIV antibodies and HIV antigens in your blood. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used during the window period to detect HIV. Positive results from PCP are confirmed by antibody tests.

How is AIDS Treated?

No cure or vaccine for AIDS is available at this point in time. Current treatment for AIDS consists of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This therapy uses different drugs which are antiretroviral agents. HAART has been very beneficial to many HIV infected patients.

Prevention of transmission of the HIV virus is arguably the best way to combat AIDS.

References:

The American Heritage Science Dictionary

Guerrant RL, Hughes JM, Lima NL, Crane J. Reviews of Infectious Diseases. Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care 

The Indian Journal of Medical Research

Palefsky J Top HIV Med