Etiology, transmission and protection: Transmission of
HIV, the causative agent of AIDS, occurs predominantly through bodily fluids.
Factors that significantly alter the risk of HIV transmission include male
circumcision, condom use, high viral load, and the presence of other sexually
transmitted diseases. Pathology/Symptomatology: HIV
infects preferentially CD4+ T lymphocytes, and Monocytes. Because of
their central role in regulating the immune response, depletion of
CD4+ T cells renders the infected individual incapable of
adequately responding to microorganisms otherwise inconsequential.
Epidemiology, incidence and prevalence: New HIV
infections affect predominantly young heterosexual women and homosexual men.
While the mortality rates of AIDS related causes have decreased globally in
recent years due to the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
treatment, a vaccine remains an elusive goal. Treatment and
curability: For those afflicted HIV infection remains a serious
illness. Nonetheless, the use of advanced therapeutics have transformed a dire
scenario into a chronic condition with near average life spans. When to apply
those remedies appears to be as important as the remedies themselves. The high
rate of HIV replication and the ability to generate variants are central to the
viral survival strategy and major barriers to be overcome. Molecular
mechanisms of infection: In this review, we assemble new details
on the molecular events from the attachment of the virus, to the assembly and
release of the viral progeny. Yet, much remains to be learned as understanding
of the molecular mechanisms used in viral replication and the measures engaged
in the evasion of immune surveillance will be important to develop effective
interventions to address the global HIV pandemic.