Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a weakening of the body’s immune system.  It is caused by a retrovirus called either HTLV (human T-cell lymphotropic virus) or HIV (human immuno-deficiency virus.)

 The retrovirus establishes itself directly inside a T-cell lymphocyte a major part of the body’s immune system - the retrovirus is distinguished from other viruses because of it’s ability to use the host cells reproductive system to replicate itself many times.  In this way, the AIDS virus eventually destroys the host cell and moves on to infect other T-cells.

The body is left vulnerable to opportunistic infections.  These are normally fought off easily by a functioning immune system, however, the diseases that attack the Aids patient become fatal and eventually the patient will die.

 The retrovirus may incubate for a period of up to several years;  before symptoms start appearing:  initially the signs of AIDS will be very subtle.  The patient may experience unexplained fever, chills or night sweats lasting many weeks;  a general feeling of fatigue;  an unexplained weight loss over 5 kg’s;  swollen glands;  a dry cough & shortness of breath;  diarrhea and pink to purple blotches resembling bruises.  These symptoms may all be found in other more common illnesses as well.

 As the illness progresses, the person with AIDS becomes susceptible to various opportunistic infections.  These include:  pneumonia;  shingles;  herpes simplex;  meningitis;  and encephalitis.  The most common infection is pneumocytis carinii pneumonia (PCP).  Kaposis sarcoma (KS), a rare tumor, is also common in AIDS victims.  Sometimes the start of  one of the presence of  these diseases if the first sign at the presence of AIDS in the patient.  The retrovirus can infect the brain causing  various mental disorders.  Over the next few pages I will study some of these opportunistic diseases and give some answers to some commonly asked questions.

•    Encephalitis 

This is an  inflammation of  the brain.  It is usually caused by a viral infection, but also occasionally caused by other organisms.  Encephalitis can also occur as a complication of virus infections e.g.:  chicken pox;  rabies and lead poisoning and allergic reactions may also lead to encephalitis.

•  Entamoeba hisolytica

 This is a species of ameba that infects the intestines of human beings.  It is the primary cause of amebic dysentery and amebic abscess.

•   Meningitis

This is the inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and the spinal cord.  The symptoms of meningitis usually appear suddenly - If untreated, acute meningitis is rapidly fatal.

• Herpes simplex and Shingles

 This is the medical name for a cold sore or fever blister.  This virus is present in many people and produces no symptoms when the person is in good health.  It causes infection when another infection occurs.  Shingles, known medically as herpes zoster, is an inflammatory infection at part of the peripheral nervous system.  It produces painful blisters on the skin over the sites of nerves.

•  Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

 It can also be called pneumocy stosis.  Pneumocy stosis is a parasitic lung ailment caused by the organism Pneumocystis carinii.  It occurs most often in people who are suffering from severely depressed immune systems, particularly those suffering from acquire immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).  The symptoms include a high fever, rapid and shallow breathing, coughing and discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen intake.  Without early detection and the right treatment, it’s fatality rate is nearly 100 percent..

• Kaposi’s sarcoma

This is a malignant tumor, which usually begins on the feet and spreads through the lymphatic system.  Before 1980, this tumor was seen only in elderly Italian or Jewish men or in younger people from equatorial Africa.  It was a relatively rare disease. A more severe form of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is now associated with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which has now reached epidemic proportions. The treatment for the milder form of KS is electron beam radiotherapy.  The deeper lesions are treated with x-ray therapy.  The more severe KS is sometimes treated with anti-microbial drugs and other forms of treatment to help restore the immune system within the cells.

How is AIDS transmitted from person to person?

AIDS is not a casually transmitted disease. It is not passed on via doorknobs, toilet seats, eating utensils, or even by hugging and dry kissing. The skin is an effective barrier against the AIDS virus.

Transmission of the virus occurs almost exclusively by the exchange of certain bodily fluids. Such as semen and blood; urine and feces; and possibly also saliva and vaginal secretions. This means unprotected intercourse and the shared use of needles by drug addicts are both ways of spreading AIDS. The virus is now rarely transmitted through blood transfusions. This is due to the widespread use of an AIDS antibody teat. Infected mothers can also give the disease to their unborn children before or after birth.

How can the spread of AIDS be prevented?

 The most obvious prevention is simply abstaining from sex. Otherwise, preventive knowledge and safe sexual practices are the best alternatives. Condoms should be used for all types of intercourse. Hypodermic needles, razors and toothbrushes should never be shared. Excessive use of alcohol and recreational drugs, which weakens the body’s resistance to disease, should be avoided. The practice of shooting drugs has always been dangerous. In the absence of a vaccine and effective treatment, these are the only means of preventing the spread of AIDS.

 What happens to people with AIDS?

 After the first noticeable signed of the illness, patients  may have symptom-free period.

Although they might undergo repetitive series of opportunistic infections. AIDS itself can directly involve other systems besides the immune system. The gastrointestinal tract and the kidneys. In most cases, the patients will die in two or three years from one of the infections. Not only does the patient suffer physically, but also emotionally and mentally.

Frequently, the may become socially isolated, as they may be avoid by friends and family.

 Can AIDS be treated?

 Approximately half of the people who have developed AIDS are already dead. Very few AIDS victims survive longer than three years. Most experts think that effective therapy will have to include both antiviral drugs and immune system stimulant. Research into a possible vaccine is also being pursued.

 Bibliography:

 The World Book Medical Encyclopedia

 Human Anatomy and Physiology - Elaine N. Marieb

 Biology, International  Edition - Solomon, Berry, Martin, Villee.

 The World Book Encyclopedia - Volume 1

 Encarta.