AIDS

AIDS

Introduction

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, better known by its acronym AIDS, is a set of symptoms resulting from the destruction of several immune system cells by a retrovirus. AIDS is the last stage of infection with this virus and eventually death of the infected organism, as a result of opportunistic diseases.

There are several retroviruses responsible for AIDS, each infecting a species specific. The best known of these is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects the human. Other viruses are, among others, the SIV infecting monkeys and FIV for cats.

A pandemic has developed from the late 1970s, making this disease a new global health problem. The prevention, such as the use of condoms, is by far the best option because there is currently no vaccine to protect against the virus, and treatment antiviral currently available does not allow healing. Although somewhat effective, they can only delay the coming of the stage "AIDS", by slowing the spread of HIV within the body. Furthermore, these therapies are expensive, are readily available in developed countries that can bear the cost; in developing countries, over 95% of patients now receiving no effective treatment. This is why the UN, through its program UNAIDS has made the fight against AIDS a priority.

To defend against this production of virus, the immune system of a person produces many CD4 cells daily. Gradually the number of CD4 cells decreases, so that the person suffers from immunodeficiency, which means that the affected cannot fight off other viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites that cause disease, which leaves the person susceptible to diseases a healthy person would be able to face, such as pneumonia. These diseases are mainly opportunistic infections. Since the body has mechanisms to control cell growth dependent on CD4 cells, the progressive destruction of these cells will cause these mechanisms are not adequately regulated, resulting consequently the presence of certain neoplasm's (cancer) that would not occur in people ' healthy. ”HIV also can infect brain cells, causing some neurological conditions (Hoyle, 2004, pp. 85-88).

The Global AIDS Epidemic

Around 2.6 million people were newly infected in 2009 and in that same year, 2 million people died of AIDS. Saharan Africa is hardest hit by the epidemic. In 2009, approximately three quarters of AIDS deaths occurred in this region.

The epidemic has had a devastating impact on societies, economies and infrastructures. In the worst affected countries, life expectancy has been reduced to 20 years. Young adults in their productive years are the population most at risk. Therefore, many countries have experienced a reduction in economic growth and increased domestic poverty. In Asia, this infection causes a loss of productivity than any other condition. The most productive years of an adult are also those where they increase the chances of reproduction. Furthermore, those who have died of AIDS often leave children fatherless. Over 16 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS.

Preventive treatment for 4 weeks

The hospital doctor referral for AIDS will discuss with you the danger and the need to continue or not prophylactic treatment, which will act as a dam against the viral ...