Скачать или смотреть AIDS - Sexually Transmitted Disease | Chap # 14| Biology Class 10| Lec # 14

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, commonly known as AIDS, is a severe and often fatal medical condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). AIDS primarily affects the immune system, weakening its ability to fight off infections and diseases. The virus attacks a specific type of white blood cell called CD4 T cells, which play a critical role in coordinating the immune response.

Here are some key points to understand about AIDS:

HIV Transmission: HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with certain body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk, from a person who has the virus. The most common modes of transmission include unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes for drug use, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. It's important to note that casual contact, like hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils, does not transmit HIV.

HIV Infection: When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus enters their bloodstream and starts replicating within CD4 T cells. As the virus reproduces, it damages and destroys these cells, gradually weakening the immune system's ability to respond to infections and illnesses.

Stages of Infection: The progression of HIV infection typically involves several stages: acute infection, clinical latency (asymptomatic stage), and AIDS. During the acute infection stage, some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, which can last for a few weeks. After this initial phase, the virus enters a clinical latency stage where it continues to replicate at a lower level, and the person may not exhibit any symptoms for several years. Without medical intervention, the infection may progress to AIDS, which is characterized by severe immune deficiency and the development of opportunistic infections or certain types of cancers.

Opportunistic Infections: As the immune system weakens, the body becomes susceptible to opportunistic infections—illnesses caused by pathogens that usually don't affect people with healthy immune systems. These infections can range from mild to severe and can affect various parts of the body.

Symptoms and Complications: Symptoms of AIDS can vary widely and may include persistent fever, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, chronic diarrhea, and swollen lymph nodes. As the condition progresses, individuals can experience more severe infections, cancers (such as Kaposi's sarcoma), and neurological disorders.

Diagnosis and Treatment: HIV infection can be diagnosed through blood tests that detect the presence of HIV antibodies or the virus itself. While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is highly effective in controlling the virus and slowing down its progression. ART involves a combination of medications that target different stages of the virus's life cycle, reducing its replication and allowing the immune system to recover to some extent.

Prevention: The most effective way to prevent HIV/AIDS is through education and practicing safe behaviors. This includes using barrier methods like condoms during sexual intercourse, avoiding sharing needles, getting tested regularly, and considering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at high risk of infection.



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