The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus enveloped with two copies of a single-stranded RNA genome. It causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the final stage of HIV illness. Primary infection symptoms start two to four weeks after HIV enters the body. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is classified into HIV-1 and HIV-2, is the cause of this infectious disease. HIV-1 has become more widespread and virulent over the world. HIV-2 is considerably less severe. Both viruses are antigenically linked to immunodeficiency viruses, mostly found in primates.
What Is HIV-1?
HIV-1 is a retrovirus that evolved from a similar virus in apes. HIV-1 is categorized into four groups: M, N, O, and P. Group M is the largest and is subdivided into nine subtypes. The most prevalent subtypes are B and C. When a person develops HIV-1, the virus infects the CD4 cell. These cells play a critical role in coordinating the body's immunological response.
When HIV-1 is not treated with antiretroviral medications, it decreases the body's CD4 cells. As a result, the immune system's ability to fight infections and certain tumors
Pathophysiology Of HIV
HIV binds to the CD4 molecule and CCR5 (a chemokine co-receptor); the virus's surface fuses with the cellular membrane, allowing it to enter a T-helper lymphocyte. The HIV provirus develops after integration into the host genome, followed by transcription and viral mRNA synthesis. The host cell produces and assembles HIV structural proteins. Viral budding from host cells can release millions of HIV particles, infecting other cells.
How Does HIV Spread?
HIV spreads through Infected blood, sperm, or vaginal fluids. This can happen in the following ways,
Sexual activity - By engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person whose blood, sperm, or vaginal fluids enter your body, you may get infected. The virus can enter your body through sores or small tears during sexual intercourse in the rectum or vagina.
Sharing needles - Sharing contaminated injection needles and syringes puts you at risk of contracting HIV and other infectious diseases like hepatitis.
Blood transfusions -The virus may be spread through blood transfusions in some situations.
During pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding - Infected mothers can transmit the virus to their children. HIV-positive women who get HIV therapy during pregnancy can dramatically minimize the risk to their offspring.
How Is HIV-1 Diagnosed?
HIV-1 can be diagnosed using many different tests. They are typically performed using a blood sample taken from an arm vein or with a finger prick:
Antibody tests: An antibody test reveals HIV antibodies. Antibodies are proteins the immune system produces in reaction to foreign invaders like HIV.
Tests for antigens and antibodies: This test checks for antibodies to HIV and p24, a viral protein. It is possible to detect p24 before antibodies form.
Tests for nucleic acids (NATs): A NAT detects the genetic material of a virus in a blood sample. It can also determine the amount of virus in a person's blood (viral load).
Medications Used To Treat HIV-1
Antiretrovirals are medications that are used to treat HIV infections/AIDS. They are used in various combinations, known as highly active retroviral therapy (HAART). Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), NRTI fixed-dose combinations, integrase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors, and CCR5 inhibitors are examples of antiretroviral agents. As long as patients have a low or undetectable viral load, this therapy has been found to reduce morbidity and death and the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Abamune Tablet contains the active constituent abacavir. Abacavir is a nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTIs) used to treat HIV-1 infection. Abamune Tablet works by inhibiting the enzyme reverse transcriptase, thereby inhibiting the replication of viral particles in the body and treating the infection. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, sleep problems, ear, nose, or throat infections, and tiredness.