viernes, 19 de febrero de 2010
viernes, 22 de enero de 2010
What causes AIDS?
AIDS is an infectious disease caused by a virus called Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV or HIV) or AIDS virus. It belongs to the family of viruses known as the Retroviridae and are known at present two HIV virus, HIV-1 and HIV-2, both attack the immune apparatus invading T cells
Ways of transmitting the AIDS virus.
The AIDS virus is found in all fluids and secretions, but the epidemiology indicates that there is contagion, they have to contain high concentrations of it. Therefore, the scientific evidence established that its modes of transmission are:
• sexual contact through the male genital fluid (semen) and cervicovaginal secretions of women (discharge).
• injecting through blood transfusion or blood products (plasma, platelets), organ transplants, artificial insemination, surgery, dental treatment with use of sharps, sharp instruments maneuvers nonprofessional (sharing needles and syringes among drug users intravenous, practiced tattooing)
• the intrauterine or perinatal (called vertical transmission). The transmission of the AIDS virus from a pregnant woman to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or through breastfeeding
• It should be noted that there is no evidence to support the transmission of the virus by other routes of infection (tears, saliva, sweat, etc.).
The AIDS virus infection is followed by an asymptomatic period (without symptoms) that can extend from 2 to 9 years. There are few cases that cover this period much longer.
The specific antibody response occurs between 2 weeks and 3 months after infection and may be accompanied by transient signs compatible with infectious mononucleosis. The duration of this asymptomatic period depends among other factors:
• the magnitude of the inoculation
• the level of the host immune
• the route of infection
Once you have the symptoms and signs of the syndrome, begins a gradual deterioration that can lead to stillbirth in subsequent years, depending on the time of the early initiation of treatment. The AIDS virus can enter the body as free or more often incorporated into a cell infected. It will then be picked up by a macrophage, through which the virus begins its replication.
What are the AIDS risk behaviors?
Unsafe sex.
The most important route of transmission of HIV / AIDS in the world is sexual, homosexual or heterosexual. In general, the risk of sexual transmission depends on the prevalence of infection among the sexually active population.
Homosexual practices are associated with increased risk of infection especially ano-genital relations being the most exposed receptive partner. In practice the risk of heterosexual transmission of HIV-AIDS is bidirectional but the likelihood of male to female transmission could be 20 times larger than the female-male transmission.
In all cases the risk increases when you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and there The possibility to have multiple partners. Another factor to consider is the world of prostitution, especially in cases that do not have safe sex (without condoms), sumándosele in many cases their relationship with the consumption of intravenous narcotics, which is shared syringes.
It is now commonly observed risk behavior in the "sex tourism" and the relationship can be brought through the Internet, through a first finger contact, allowing contact with a potential risk bearer / ra's AIDS virus.
The risk of sexual transmission of AIDS virus decreases when:
• There are theoretically safer sex or safer.
• monogamous behavior is preserved.
• It prevents promiscuity and sex with strangers.
• You use a latex condom.
Sharing syringes
Within the mode of transmission via blood, the most common form of infection is the habit of sharing needles among intravenous drug users individuals.
Not only sharing syringes and needles poses a risk behavior, because the virus can be transmitted through any element used to prepare the drug. Finally, we must consider that in these individuals, the effect produced by intravenous drugs heterosexual transmission condition treated in most cases of "unsafe sexual contact" as the individual's ability to take the protection is affected by drug effect
Ways of transmitting the AIDS virus.
The AIDS virus is found in all fluids and secretions, but the epidemiology indicates that there is contagion, they have to contain high concentrations of it. Therefore, the scientific evidence established that its modes of transmission are:
• sexual contact through the male genital fluid (semen) and cervicovaginal secretions of women (discharge).
• injecting through blood transfusion or blood products (plasma, platelets), organ transplants, artificial insemination, surgery, dental treatment with use of sharps, sharp instruments maneuvers nonprofessional (sharing needles and syringes among drug users intravenous, practiced tattooing)
• the intrauterine or perinatal (called vertical transmission). The transmission of the AIDS virus from a pregnant woman to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or through breastfeeding
• It should be noted that there is no evidence to support the transmission of the virus by other routes of infection (tears, saliva, sweat, etc.).
The AIDS virus infection is followed by an asymptomatic period (without symptoms) that can extend from 2 to 9 years. There are few cases that cover this period much longer.
The specific antibody response occurs between 2 weeks and 3 months after infection and may be accompanied by transient signs compatible with infectious mononucleosis. The duration of this asymptomatic period depends among other factors:
• the magnitude of the inoculation
• the level of the host immune
• the route of infection
Once you have the symptoms and signs of the syndrome, begins a gradual deterioration that can lead to stillbirth in subsequent years, depending on the time of the early initiation of treatment. The AIDS virus can enter the body as free or more often incorporated into a cell infected. It will then be picked up by a macrophage, through which the virus begins its replication.
What are the AIDS risk behaviors?
Unsafe sex.
The most important route of transmission of HIV / AIDS in the world is sexual, homosexual or heterosexual. In general, the risk of sexual transmission depends on the prevalence of infection among the sexually active population.
Homosexual practices are associated with increased risk of infection especially ano-genital relations being the most exposed receptive partner. In practice the risk of heterosexual transmission of HIV-AIDS is bidirectional but the likelihood of male to female transmission could be 20 times larger than the female-male transmission.
In all cases the risk increases when you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and there The possibility to have multiple partners. Another factor to consider is the world of prostitution, especially in cases that do not have safe sex (without condoms), sumándosele in many cases their relationship with the consumption of intravenous narcotics, which is shared syringes.
It is now commonly observed risk behavior in the "sex tourism" and the relationship can be brought through the Internet, through a first finger contact, allowing contact with a potential risk bearer / ra's AIDS virus.
The risk of sexual transmission of AIDS virus decreases when:
• There are theoretically safer sex or safer.
• monogamous behavior is preserved.
• It prevents promiscuity and sex with strangers.
• You use a latex condom.
Sharing syringes
Within the mode of transmission via blood, the most common form of infection is the habit of sharing needles among intravenous drug users individuals.
Not only sharing syringes and needles poses a risk behavior, because the virus can be transmitted through any element used to prepare the drug. Finally, we must consider that in these individuals, the effect produced by intravenous drugs heterosexual transmission condition treated in most cases of "unsafe sexual contact" as the individual's ability to take the protection is affected by drug effect
How does HIV?
The AIDS virus enters the body through blood, semen and vaginal fluids and once incorporated attacks the immune system. This system consists of a set of components including cells, antibodies and circulating substances across any element that is recognized as foreign or strange. This is particularly the case with infectious agents including bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites.
Faced with the presence of infectious agents the immune system mobilizes to defend cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes, to be invaded by the HIV virus lose their ability to recognize and deal with foreign agents, who take the opportunity this fall to proliferate immune surveillance. To multiply, the virus puts in place a specific mechanism by which retroviruses copy its genome (all the genetic information of a living being) of RNA, DNA Cell. The virus stimulates the reproductive activity of lymphocytes but since they have copied the HIV genome, rather than reproducing, viral cells multiply.
As the virus replicates, the body becomes increasingly vulnerable to diseases against which, in normal times can be defended. These diseases are called opportunistic diseases. The collapse of the defenses is not massive, but allows even more likely the emergence of certain diseases: infections (the most common are lung, and others produced by various viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites), and different types of cancer (the most common are that affect the skin and lymph nodes).
One of the clearest indicators of the progress of the infection and the development of AIDS, is the emergence of these "opportunistic infections". That is why they are considered "markers" or "tracer". Mark the presence and progression of the infection. They are compounded by the direct effects of virus in the body, including, among others, nervous system and digestive system. When the HIV status develops this set of conditions is considered an AIDS victim.
As discussed above, that HIV can happen once entered the body remains "at rest" within invaded cells. In this situation, the patient has no symptoms, so it is called asymptomatic carrier. Although no asymptomatic carrier symptoms can infect others unknowingly.
Faced with the presence of infectious agents the immune system mobilizes to defend cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes, to be invaded by the HIV virus lose their ability to recognize and deal with foreign agents, who take the opportunity this fall to proliferate immune surveillance. To multiply, the virus puts in place a specific mechanism by which retroviruses copy its genome (all the genetic information of a living being) of RNA, DNA Cell. The virus stimulates the reproductive activity of lymphocytes but since they have copied the HIV genome, rather than reproducing, viral cells multiply.
As the virus replicates, the body becomes increasingly vulnerable to diseases against which, in normal times can be defended. These diseases are called opportunistic diseases. The collapse of the defenses is not massive, but allows even more likely the emergence of certain diseases: infections (the most common are lung, and others produced by various viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites), and different types of cancer (the most common are that affect the skin and lymph nodes).
One of the clearest indicators of the progress of the infection and the development of AIDS, is the emergence of these "opportunistic infections". That is why they are considered "markers" or "tracer". Mark the presence and progression of the infection. They are compounded by the direct effects of virus in the body, including, among others, nervous system and digestive system. When the HIV status develops this set of conditions is considered an AIDS victim.
As discussed above, that HIV can happen once entered the body remains "at rest" within invaded cells. In this situation, the patient has no symptoms, so it is called asymptomatic carrier. Although no asymptomatic carrier symptoms can infect others unknowingly.
What is AIDS?
AIDS is an advanced stage of infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is a retrovirus that attacks the body's defenses and impairs the ability to defend against diseases caused by other viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. The immune system includes several types of cells, including white blood cells responsible for fighting against external aggressors. HIV kills a particular cell type, CD4 cells that make up the immune system. What does the word AIDS?
The word AIDS is formed from the initials of the term "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome."
Syndrome: A set of signs and symptoms.
Immune mean on the system of defenses.
Deficiency: decrease.
Acquired: refers to non-congenital.
This means that AIDS has developed only when there is a set of signs and symptoms indicating that defenses are diminished because they caught the virus. It is possible to be infected with HIV, ie, being HIV positive or carrier of the virus and have not yet developed AIDS. From the moment the virus enters the body until symptoms appear may be a long time, between 10 and 12 years, which may be extended if treatment is started early. However, it is necessary to take into account that this is global average periods vary from country to country and modify substantially by the development of the epidemic in each place and with the development of treatments.
The word AIDS is formed from the initials of the term "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome."
Syndrome: A set of signs and symptoms.
Immune mean on the system of defenses.
Deficiency: decrease.
Acquired: refers to non-congenital.
This means that AIDS has developed only when there is a set of signs and symptoms indicating that defenses are diminished because they caught the virus. It is possible to be infected with HIV, ie, being HIV positive or carrier of the virus and have not yet developed AIDS. From the moment the virus enters the body until symptoms appear may be a long time, between 10 and 12 years, which may be extended if treatment is started early. However, it is necessary to take into account that this is global average periods vary from country to country and modify substantially by the development of the epidemic in each place and with the development of treatments.
INTRODUCTION ON AIDS
One in 100 adults aged 15 to 40 years are infected by HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Only 1 in 10 people know they are infected. It is estimated that currently over 30 million people living with HIV infection. For the current year is expected to rise to 40 million.
Since the beginning of the epidemic is estimated that 3.8 million children under age 15 have been infected with HIV and 2.7 million have died. Over 90% of these children have contracted the virus through their mothers with HIV before or during birth or through breastfeeding. More than 8 million children have lost their mother to AIDS before age 15, and many have also lost their father. It is estimated that this figure will nearly double for 2000.
AIDS became a major epidemic of the twentieth century and the future projection on the spread of this disease becomes a considerable burden on overstretched health care systems of most affected countries.
Many factors are affected by the impact of AIDS. This impact is not limited exclusively to health statistics. Also poses a serious economic problem, given the high cost of medical care of patients. In turn, AIDS has a social impact, and has changed behaviors and habits.
The poor living conditions, the difficulties in providing seamless access to health systems and lack of education for much of the population, favor the continued growth of the epidemic.
From a scientific point of view must be acknowledged that progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of infection, the mechanisms of immune damage, clinical forms, their evolution over time and the prevention and treatment of many opportunistic infections that are the usual cause of death of patients. The use of antiretroviral drugs has improved and prolonged the survival of many patients.
But reality shows us that the disease still has no cure, and for this reason, the fight should focus on appropriate prevention tasks in the fight against AIDS. And education is the key to prevention in the fight against AIDS, and should act as reinforcement in health systems.
Those countries that did not implement media campaigns at the onset of the first cases of the disease are paying a high price in lives lost. The campaigns have placed special emphasis on the preventive aspects. The campaigns should take people a clear and direct message that leaves no doubt about risk behaviors that can be exposed to HIV, and what is the way around.
You could say that at present the only vaccine is good information and that only slightly more dangerous than AIDS: Ignorance.
AIDS does not get carried away by indifference.
Learn.
Since the beginning of the epidemic is estimated that 3.8 million children under age 15 have been infected with HIV and 2.7 million have died. Over 90% of these children have contracted the virus through their mothers with HIV before or during birth or through breastfeeding. More than 8 million children have lost their mother to AIDS before age 15, and many have also lost their father. It is estimated that this figure will nearly double for 2000.
AIDS became a major epidemic of the twentieth century and the future projection on the spread of this disease becomes a considerable burden on overstretched health care systems of most affected countries.
Many factors are affected by the impact of AIDS. This impact is not limited exclusively to health statistics. Also poses a serious economic problem, given the high cost of medical care of patients. In turn, AIDS has a social impact, and has changed behaviors and habits.
The poor living conditions, the difficulties in providing seamless access to health systems and lack of education for much of the population, favor the continued growth of the epidemic.
From a scientific point of view must be acknowledged that progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of infection, the mechanisms of immune damage, clinical forms, their evolution over time and the prevention and treatment of many opportunistic infections that are the usual cause of death of patients. The use of antiretroviral drugs has improved and prolonged the survival of many patients.
But reality shows us that the disease still has no cure, and for this reason, the fight should focus on appropriate prevention tasks in the fight against AIDS. And education is the key to prevention in the fight against AIDS, and should act as reinforcement in health systems.
Those countries that did not implement media campaigns at the onset of the first cases of the disease are paying a high price in lives lost. The campaigns have placed special emphasis on the preventive aspects. The campaigns should take people a clear and direct message that leaves no doubt about risk behaviors that can be exposed to HIV, and what is the way around.
You could say that at present the only vaccine is good information and that only slightly more dangerous than AIDS: Ignorance.
AIDS does not get carried away by indifference.
Learn.
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