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AIDS
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV targets white blood cells in the body and weakens the immune system, causing the infected person to be more prone to other infections or diseases. After having HIV for a while and becomes more advanced and severe, a person will most likely contract AIDS.
AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV. HIV particles are so small that they can not be seen through a regular microscope. They have an outer layer of fatty material, called the membrane. Just below the membrane is another layer called the matrix. The viral core (capsid) comes right under the matrix. Inside the core are the enzymes required for HIV replication and the genetic material (RNA).
WHAT IS AIDS?
PATHOGEN STRUCTURE
This is a white blood cell infected with HIV
There aren’t really any ‘symptoms’ of AIDS or HIV; it only damages the immune system. The only way to tell if a person is infected is to have an HIV test.
SYMPTOMS
AIDS only is developed after a person has contracted HIV. HIV can be transmitted in three main ways: •sexual transmission •transmission through blood •mother-to-child transmission
TRANSMISSION
Unfortunately, there is no cure for AIDS. There is, however, a treatment that can help prevent any further weakening of the immune system while which consists of a series of antiretroviral drugs.
TREATMENT
Once a person is infected with HIV, AIDS cannot be prevented. HIV, however, can be prevented in a number of ways, some of which are: •remaining abstinent or refraining from sexual activity •use of condoms •not sharing needles •using only sanitized needles and discarding used ones •having a cesarean section rather than giving natural child birth if the mother is infected
PREVENTION
You can't tell by looking at someone if they have AIDS. Infected people look normal and healthy.
