Introduction
Begin with an overview of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) as a global health challenge, affecting millions of people worldwide. Introduce the distinction between HIV-1 and HIV-2, highlighting their similarities and differences.
What Is HIV – 1 And HIV 2 ?
Explain the nature of HIV-1 and HIV-2 as retroviruses belonging to the lentivirus family. Describe how both viruses attack and impair the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Differentiate between HIV-1, the predominant strain globally, and HIV-2, which is primarily found in West Africa.
Transmission And Risk Factors
Discuss the modes of transmission for both HIV-1 and HIV-2, including:
• Unprotected sexual intercourse
• Sharing contaminated needles or syringes
• Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding
• Occupational exposure (e.g., healthcare workers)
• Blood transfusions or organ/tissue transplantation (rare in regions with strict screening protocols)
Clinical Manifestations
Explore the clinical manifestations of HIV infection, which may include:
• Acute retroviral syndrome (flu-like illness)
• Chronic asymptomatic phase
• Progressive immune system deterioration leading to AIDS
• Opportunistic infections and malignancies
• Neurological complications (e.g., HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders)
Diagnostic Testing
Explain the diagnostic tests used to detect HIV infection, including:
• Screening tests such as enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or rapid antibody tests
• Confirmation tests like Western blot or immunofluorescence assay (IFA)
• Nucleic acid tests (NAT) to detect viral RNA or DNA
• Differentiating tests to distinguish between HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections
Prevention And Management
Discuss strategies for HIV prevention and management, including:
• Safer sex practices and condom use
• Harm reduction programs for injecting drug users
• HIV testing and counseling services
• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for treatment and prevention of HIV transmission
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk individuals
• Supportive care and management of opportunistic infections
HIV-1 and HIV-2 are two distinct strains of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Here’s a brief overview of each:
HIV 1
• HIV-1 is the most common and widespread strain of HIV globally.
• It is responsible for the majority of HIV infections worldwide and is the predominant strain in most regions, including North America, Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia.
• HIV-1 is highly virulent and aggressive in its progression to AIDS if left untreated.
• It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, sharing of contaminated needles or syringes among injecting drug users, mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding, and less commonly through blood transfusions or organ transplantation in regions with inadequate screening protocols.
HIV 2
• HIV-2 is less prevalent and mainly found in West Africa, particularly in countries such as Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Senegal.
• Compared to HIV-1, HIV-2 has a slower progression to AIDS and is generally less virulent.
• HIV-2 is primarily transmitted through the same routes as HIV-1, including sexual contact, sharing of needles or syringes among injecting drug users, and mother-to-child transmission. However, it appears to be less efficiently transmitted through heterosexual intercourse compared to HIV-1.
• HIV-2 infection may present similar clinical manifestations and complications as HIV-1 infection but tends to progress more slowly. However, individuals with HIV-2 may still develop AIDS and require treatment if left untreated.
The progression and severity of symptoms can vary among individuals. Here are some common symptoms associated with HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections:
Acute Retroviral Syndrome [ARS]
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck area
• Rash (maculopapular rash) that may be red or purple and flat or raised
Chronic Symptom
• Persistent or recurrent fever
• Persistent fatigue
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Oral thrush (white patches in the mouth or throat)
• Persistent or recurrent skin rashes or lesions
• Swollen lymph nodes, especially in multiple areas of the body
Neurological Symptoms
• Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the hands or feet)
• Cognitive changes, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating
• Depression or other mood changes
• Headaches or migraines
• Seizures (rare)
Opportunistic Infections
• Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Candidiasis (yeast infections)
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
• Cryptococcal meningitis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection
AIDS – Defining Illness
• Kaposi’s sarcoma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Invasive cervical cancer
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
It’s important to remember that the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a person is infected with HIV, as they can also be caused by other medical conditions. Additionally, many people with HIV may not experience symptoms for years after infection. Testing is the only way to confirm HIV status, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing HIV infection and preventing its progression to AIDS.