Recent Insights into the HIV/AIDS Pandemic

Abstract

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.

Women's Sexual Health and Aging

“…Oral-penile contact is not an efficient route of HIV infection but can transmit other STIs. 40 Latex or polyurethane condoms reduce HIV and STI risk; condoms made of natural membranes are not consistently effective. Condom failure is prevalent; reasons include inconsistent use, improper use, breakage, and slippage.…”

In vitro replicative fitness of early Transmitted founder HIV-1 variants and sensitivity to Interferon alpha

“…It remains unclear how the productivity of TF viruses was lower in spite of the higher amounts of the cell-associated virus as compared to NT viruses. However, earlier investigations on the viral genome have shown rapid acquisition of escape mutations by HIV-1 associated with a gradual drop in viral load immediately after acute infection 46 . These data suggest that the productivity of TF and NT viruses as well as its replication kinetics within an individual may not be determined over a period of time concerning the immune response and escape for the survival.…”

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: Epidemiological Changes in the World and Turkey

“…HIV'ın genetik değişkenliği, enfeksiyonun tanısından başlayıp tedaviye direnç oluşumuna kadar enfeksiyonun yönetimini pek çok aşamada zorlaştırmaktadır. Bulaşmada ve hastalığın progresyonunda HIV alt tipleri arasında farklılıklar olduğu belirtilmektedir (20)(21)(22).…”