#AIDS
#neet2025biology
#worldsaidsday
The word AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome.
This means deficiency of immune system, acquired during the lifetime of an individual indicating that it is not a congenital disease. ‘Syndrome’ means a group of symptoms.
AIDS was first reported in 1981 and in the last twenty-five years or so, it has spread all over the world killing more than 25 million persons.
AIDS is caused by the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV), a member of a group of viruses called retrovirus, which have an envelope enclosing the RNA genome.
Transmission of HIV-infection generally occurs by
(a) sexual contact with infected person
(b) by transfusion of contaminated blood and blood products
(c) by sharing infected needles as in the case of intravenous drug abusers
(d) from infected mother to her child through placenta.
People who are at high risk of getting this infection includes
Individuals who have multiple sexual partners,
drug addicts who take drugs intravenously,
Individuals who require repeated blood transfusions and
children born to an HIV infected mother.
It is important to note that HIV/AIDS is not spread by mere touch or physical contact; it spreads only through body fluids. It is, hence, imperative, for the physical and psychological well-being, that the HIV/AIDS infected persons are not isolated from family and society.
There is always a time-lag between the infection and appearance of AIDS symptoms. This period may vary from a few months to many years (usually 5-10 years).
How HIV weakens Immune system
1. Your immune system is your guard against disease.
2. White blood cells kill the germs that attack your body.
3. HIV attacks your immune system by entering your white blood cells.
4. HIV stops your immune system from being able to protect your body.
5. Once HIV has weakened your immune system, germs can take over your body, and you become sick.