What is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that is transmitted through certain bodily fluids and disrupts the immune system by destroying the CD4 T-lymphocytes that work to fight off infection in our bodies. When left untreated, HIV eventually leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), an advanced state of immune system failure that leaves the body weak and vulnerable to life-threatening illnesses and cancers. However, with treatment, individuals can live to a normal and healthy life.
What happens during the HIV replication cycle?
- The HIV molecule attaches to a protein called CD4 on the host cell.
- The fatty celled outer layers of HIV and the host merge together. HIV’s genetic material called RNA is released into host cell.
- HIV RNA transcribed into single stranded DNA by an enzyme called reverse transcriptase.
- Reverse transcriptase converts single stranded HIV DNA into double stranded HIV DNA.
- Another enzyme named integrase helps integrate double stranded HIV DNA into host cell’s DNA.
- HIV DNA is transcribed into viral RNA. Some RNA become daughter HIV virions, the rest become messenger RNA molecules that help code HIV proteins.
- Within the host cell, messenger RNAs continue to be translated into various proteins that are necessary for HIV replication.
- Proteins are incorporated into host cell membrane. Components needed for the new HIV molecule migrate to cell surface and assemble.
- New HIV virion buds off from host cell.
- In order for the virion to mature, an enzyme called protease must cleave the molecule. If it doesn't, HIV remains immature and non-infectious.
What puts me at risk for acquiring HIV?
What symptoms will I experience?
How is HIV treated?
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the first line treatment for individuals who are HIV positive. ART does not cure HIV, rather it helps to prolong the life for HIV positive individuals. ART should be started as soon as possible. This therapy works by inhibiting HIV replication, which gives the immune system time to recover. Treatment does not guarantee the eradication of HIV.
HIV drugs can interact among themselves or with other medications. Treatment failure and/or drug resistance can result in individuals who do not take the medications as prescribed. Drug resistance occurs when HIV changes form so that therapeutic drugs are no longer effective. This results in increased HIV replication in the body. Side effects vary for each individual and drug. They can include nausea, vomiting, rash or more severe effects such as lactic acidosis and liver damage.
HIV drugs can interact among themselves or with other medications. Treatment failure and/or drug resistance can result in individuals who do not take the medications as prescribed. Drug resistance occurs when HIV changes form so that therapeutic drugs are no longer effective. This results in increased HIV replication in the body. Side effects vary for each individual and drug. They can include nausea, vomiting, rash or more severe effects such as lactic acidosis and liver damage.
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