AIDS (Acquired Immunedeficiency Syndrome)

AIDS (Acquired Immunedeficiency Syndrome)

AIDS is a severe viral disease and caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is a condition in which immune system fails and suppress the body’s disease fighting mechanism . They attack the lymphocytes and the affected individual is prone to infectious diseases.

1. Transmission of HIV

AIDS virus has been found in urine, tears, saliva, breast milk and vaginal secretions. The virus is transmitted by an infected patient who comes in contact with blood of a healthy person. HIV/AIDS is not transmitted by touch or any physical contact. It spreads through contact of body fluids or blood.

HIV is transmitted generally by

i.                     Sexual contact with infected person

ii.                     Use of contaminated needles or syringes especially in case of intravenous drug abusers

iii.                     By transfusion of contaminated / infected blood or blood products

iv.                     From infected mother to her child through placenta.

2. Symptoms and Treatment of AIDS

Symptoms: Infected individuals become immunodeficient. The person becomes more susceptible to viral, bacterial, protozoan and fungal infections. Swelling of lymph nodes, damage to brain, loss of memory, lack of appetite and weight loss, fever, chronic diarrhoea, cough, lethargy, pharyngitis, nausea and headache.

Diagnosis: The presence of HIV virus can be confirmed by Western Blot analysis or Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Treatment: Anti -retroviral drugs and immunostimulative therapy can prolong the life of the infected person.

3. Prevention and Control of AIDS

The following steps may help in controlling and prevent the spreading of HIV infection

i.                     Screening of blood from blood banks for HIV before transfusion.

ii.                     Ensuring the use of disposable needles and syringes in hospitals and clinics.

iii.                     Advocating safe sex and advantages of using condoms.

iv.                     Creating awareness campaign and educating people on the consequences of AIDS.

v.                     Persons with HIV/AIDS should not be isolated from the family and society.