Ans: Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS is an infection caused by HIV (Human Deficiency Virus), which spreads by contact with bodily fluids.
Given below are the conditions that are according to the 1987 CDC/WHO* case definition
for AIDS
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- Disseminated clinical cytomegalovirus infection (not liver, spleen or lymph node).
- Chronic (more than1 month) mucocutaneous disseminated herpes simplex infection.
- Progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (papova (JC)
virus).
- Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis with CD4 count less than
200/mm3.
- Disseminated mycobacterium avium intracellulare or
mycobacterium kansasii infection.
- Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
- Candidosis of oesophagus, bronchi or pulmonary.
- Chronic (more than1 month) cryptosporidiosis.
- Toxoplasmosis of brain.
- Isosporiasis.
- Disseminated histoplasmosis or coccidioidomycosis .
- Cryptococcosis.
- Extra-intestinal strongyloidiasis.
Secondary Neoplasms
- Kaposi's sarcoma
- Primary lymphoma of brain
- Non-Hodgkin's (immunoblastic) lymphoma
Other
Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (mainly children)
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routes of transmission are
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- Through unprotected sexual intercourse: Anal / Oral
/ Vaginal
- Through Blood or blood products: Blood transfusion
/ Infected needles.
- Organ, tissue donation.
- Perinatal transmission( from mother to baby): In-utero
(inside uterus) / during delivery/ via breast feeding.
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Stages of AIDS: |
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Q.2)What are the symptoms of AIDS? |
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Ans: General symptoms |
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Malaise (uneasiness)
- Weight loss
- Diarrhoea.
- Symptoms specific to the opportunistic infection.
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Q.3) What are the related signs? |
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Ans: General signs |
- Lymphadenopathy
- Wasting
- Oral candida
- Oral hairy leukoplakia
- Perianal herpes
- Splenomegaly
- Signs specific to the opportunistic infection.
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Q.4)What investigations are done? |
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Ans: General tests conducted are |
- ELISA
- Western Blot
- CD4 count
- CBC with differential
- Stool studies
- Sputum studies
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Q.5) What are the treatment measures? |
| Ans: Generally followed treatment measures
are
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| 1) Usage of Anti-retroviral drugs.
2) Prophylactic( steps taken to avoid occurrence
of the disease) treatment of opportunistic infections.
3) Definitive treatment of
opportunistic infections.
4) Terminal Care :
- Good support from the partner, family and friends.
- Symptomatic relief of anorexia, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and diarrhoea
- Effective pain control
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Q.6) How can AIDS be prevented? |
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Ans: Preventive measures included are |
- Serological testing of donor for HIV before blood transfusion,organ
transplant.
- Avoidance of multiple sexual partners
- Education and practice of safe-sex.
- Use of disposable needles and syringes.
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Q.7) What is the follow-up of AIDS? |
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Ans: The follow-up of AIDS
includes |
- Regular clinical examinations
- Regular assessment of CD4 counts.
- Checking for development of resistance to any of the drugs.
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Q.8) Important things one should know about AIDS? |
| Ans: Here are some of the DISSEMINATED DISEASES that
can occur in AIDS
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Infections |
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- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
- Bacterial septicemia (eg. Pneumococcal, salmonella)
- M. tuberculosis (In INDIA very common)
- M. avium intracellular infection
- Toxoplasmosis
- Cryptococcosis
- Histoplasmosis
More........
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Secondary neoplasms |
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- Kaposi's sarcoma
- Non-hodgkin's lymphoma
More........
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Organ Specific HIV diseases |
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- Skin Disease
- Oral Disease
- Gastrointestinal Disease
- Respiratory Disease
- Neurological Disease
- Renal Disease
- Cardiac Disease
- Hematological Complications
- Psychiatric Problems
More........
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