Table of

Sl.no. Topic Page

1.
2.
Contents
Introduction
What is AIDS?
01
02
no.

3. History of AIDS 02-03

4. Causes of AIDS 04-05
5. Mechanism of HIV
Infection 05-07
6. Symptoms of AIDS 07-08
7. Diagnosis of AIDS 08-09
8. Treatments for AIDS 10-11
9. Prevention and
Precautions 12-13
10. Social and Economic
Impact of AIDS 13-15
11.Current Research and
Future Prospects 15-16
12. Conclusion 16
13. Bibliography 17
1. Introduction
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a
chronic, potentially life-threatening condition
caused by the human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV). HIV attacks the body’s immune system,
specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help
the immune system fight off infections. Over
time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells
that the body can’t fight off infections and
diseases. When this happens, HIV infection leads
to AIDS. Unlike some other viruses, the human
body can’t get rid of HIV completely, so once
someone has HIV, they have it for life.

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, and

not everyone who has HIV develops AIDS. With
proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. When
the immune system becomes severely compromised,
individuals become vulnerable to opportunistic
infections or certain cancers, which take
advantage of the weakened immune system. This
investigatory project aims to provide a
comprehensive understanding of AIDS, covering
its causes, mechanism of action, symptoms,
diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and its
broader social and economic impacts.
2. What is AIDS?
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a
disease that results from long-term infection
with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
AIDS is the most severe phase of HIV
infection,
where the body’s immune system is so badly
damaged that it cannot defend itself against
opportunistic infections and certain cancers. A
person is diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4
cell count falls below 200 cells/mm³ or when
they develop one or more opportunistic
illnesses, regardless of their CD4 count.

AIDS is not a virus in itself but rather the

syndrome that appears in the advanced stages of
HIV infection. Without treatment, AIDS is
usually fatal within three years. However, with
proper medical care, including antiretroviral
therapy (ART), individuals with AIDS can live
longer and healthier lives.

3. History and
Epidemiology of AIDS
The history of AIDS dates back to the late 20th
century. The first recognized cases of AIDS
occurred in the United States in 1981, when
doctors in New York and California observed
clusters of rare diseases like Pneumocystis
pneumonia and Kaposi’s sarcoma in young men.
These diseases, normally seen in individuals
with weakened immune systems, led researchers to
identify a new disease linked to a compromised
immune system. In 1983, scientists identified
the virus responsible for AIDS and named it
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Since its discovery, HIV/AIDS has become a

global pandemic, with the World Health
Organization (WHO) estimating that more than 75
million people have been infected with HIV and
about 32 million have died from AIDS-related
illnesses since the beginning of the epidemic.
Sub-Saharan Africa has been the hardest-hit
region, with nearly two-thirds of the global
total of new HIV infections and AIDS-related
deaths. In response to the epidemic, numerous
global health initiatives, including UNAIDS and
the Global Fund, have been launched to combat
the spread of HIV and provide treatment to those
affected.

4. Causes of AIDS
AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV). HIV is a retrovirus that infects
the immune system’s CD4 cells (T cells), which
are crucial for immune function. Over time, HIV
destroys these cells, weakening the immune
system and making the body more susceptible to
infections and certain cancers.
HIV is transmitted through contact with infected
bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal
fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The most
common ways HIV is transmitted include:

1.Sexual Contact: Unprotected vaginal, anal, or

oral sex with an infected person is the most
common route of HIV transmission.
2. Blood Transfusion: Receiving contaminated
blood or blood products can transmit HIV,
although this is rare in countries with rigorous
blood screening protocols.
3.Needle Sharing: Sharing needles or syringes
with someone who is infected with HIV, common
among intravenous drug users.
4.Mother-to-Child Transmission: An infected
mother can pass the virus to her baby during
pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
5.Occupational Exposure: Healthcare workers may
be at risk of HIV infection through accidental
needle sticks or exposure to infected blood.

It is important to note that HIV cannot be

transmitted through casual contact, such as
hugging, shaking hands, or sharing utensils.

5. Mechanism of
HIV Infection
The mechanism of HIV infection involves several
steps, beginning with the virus entering the
body and ending with the destruction of the
immune system’s CD4 cells. The process can be
summarized as follows:
1.Entry: HIV enters the body through mucous
membranes or directly into the bloodstream via
sexual contact, contaminated needles, or other
routes. Once inside the body, the virus targets
CD4 cells.

2.Binding and Fusion: HIV binds to the CD4

receptor on the surface of the CD4 cell. The
virus’s glycoproteins (gp120 and gp41)
facilitate this binding, and the viral envelope
fuses with the host cell membrane, allowing
the viral RNA to enter the cell.

3.Reverse Transcription: Inside the CD4 cell,

the viral RNA is reverse transcribed into DNA by
the enzyme reverse transcriptase. This step is
crucial for the integration of the viral genome
into the host cell’s DNA.

4.Integration: The newly synthesized viral DNA

is transported into the nucleus and integrated
into the host cell’s genome by the enzyme
integrase. Once integrated, the virus can remain
dormant for a period or become active and begin
replicating.
5.Replication: When the virus is active, it
hijacks the host cell’s machinery to produce new
viral RNA and proteins, which are assembled
into new virions.

6.Budding: Newly formed HIV particles bud off

from the host cell, acquiring a piece of the
host cell membrane as their envelope. These new
virions can then go on to infect other CD4
cells.

As HIV replicates and destroys CD4 cells, the

immune system becomes progressively weaker. This
process can take years, during which the
infected person may not show any symptoms.
However, as the immune system deteriorates, the
person becomes increasingly susceptible to
opportunistic infections and certain cancers,
eventually leading to AIDS.

6. Symptoms and Stages of

AIDS
HIV infection progresses through several stages,
each characterized by different symptoms and
levels of immune system damage:

1.Acute HIV Infection: This stage occurs 2-4

weeks after infection and is often characterized
by flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore
throat, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. This
phase is also known as seroconversion illness
because it is when the body starts producing
antibodies against HIV. The symptoms during
this stage are often mistaken for other viral
infections.

2.Chronic HIV Infection (Clinical Latency):

After the acute phase, the virus continues to
multiply at lower levels but may not cause any
symptoms. This period, also known as the
asymptomatic phase, can last for several years.
Even without symptoms, the virus is still active
and can be transmitted to others. As the
disease progresses, the immune system gradually
weakens.

3.Symptomatic HIV Infection: As the immune

system becomes more compromised, the infected
person may begin to experience symptoms such as
chronic fatigue, persistent fever, weight loss,
and frequent infections. Common infections
during this stage include oral thrush, shingles,
and tuberculosis.

4.AIDS: When the CD4 cell count drops below 200

cells/mm³ or when certain opportunistic
infections or cancers develop, the individual is
diagnosed with AIDS. Symptoms during this stage
are severe and can include opportunistic
infections like Pneumocystis pneumonia, Kaposi’s
sarcoma, and severe weight loss (wasting
syndrome). Without treatment, most people with
AIDS survive about three years.

7. Diagnosis of HIV
and AIDS
Early diagnosis of HIV is crucial for managing
the disease and preventing its progression to
AIDS. Several tests are used to detect HIV
infection:

1. Antibody Tests: These tests detect antibodies

to HIV in the blood or saliva. The most common
test is the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay). If the result is positive, it is usually
confirmed with a Western blot test.

2.Antigen/Antibody Tests: These tests can

detect both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen
(a protein associated with HIV) in the blood.
They are capable of identifying HIV infection
earlier than antibody tests alone.

3.Nucleic Acid Tests (NATs): NATs detect the

presence of HIV RNA in the blood and are used to
diagnose acute HIV infection or to monitor the
viral load in individuals already diagnosed with
HIV.

4.CD4 Count: This test measures the number of

CD4 cells in the blood. A lower count indicates
a weaker immune system and helps assess the
stage of HIV infection.

5.Viral Load Test: This test measures the

amount of HIV in the blood. It is used to
monitor the progression of the disease and the
effectiveness of treatment.

8. Treatments for AIDS

There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, but
antiretroviral therapy (ART) can significantly
slow the progression of the disease, improve the
quality of life, and reduce the risk of
transmission. ART involves taking a combination
of HIV medicines every day. These medicines work
by reducing the amount of HIV in the body
(viral load) to undetectable levels.
Key aspects of HIV/AIDS treatment include:

1. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):

-NRTIs (Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase
Inhibitors): Block reverse transcriptase, an
enzyme HIV needs to make copies of itself.
-NNRTIs (Non-Nucleoside Reverse
Transcriptase Inhibitors): Also block reverse
transcriptase, but through a different mechanism
than NRTIs.
-PIs (Protease Inhibitors): Inhibit
protease, an enzyme HIV needs to mature and
become infectious.
-Integrase Inhibitors: Block integrase, the
enzyme HIV uses to integrate its genetic
material into the host cell's DNA.
-Fusion Inhibitors: Prevent HIV from
entering the CD4 cells.
-CCR5 Antagonists: Block the CCR5 co-
receptor on the surface of certain immune cells,
preventing HIV from entering these cells.

2. Management of Opportunistic Infections:

-Individuals with AIDS are at high risk for
opportunistic infections. Treatment often
includes prophylaxis (preventive treatment) for
infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia,
tuberculosis, and fungal infections.

3. Regular Monitoring:
-Regular blood tests are required to monitor
the effectiveness of ART, the CD4 count, and the
viral load. Adjustments to treatment regimens
may be necessary based on these results.

4. Supportive Care:
-Supportive care, including nutritional
support, mental health services, and social
support, is essential for individuals living
with HIV/AIDS to manage the disease and maintain
their quality of life.
9. Prevention
and Precautions
Preventing HIV infection is key to controlling
the spread of the virus and preventing AIDS.
Effective prevention strategies include:

1. Safe Sexual Practices:

- Condom Use: Consistent and correct use of
condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex
reduces the risk of HIV transmission.

-Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): A daily

pill for people at high risk of HIV, PrEP can
reduce the risk of infection by more than
90% when taken consistently.
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): A
course
of HIV medicines taken within 72 hours after
potential exposure to the virus to prevent
infection.

2. Harm Reduction Programs:

-Needle Exchange Programs: Provide clean
needles to people who inject drugs to reduce the
risk of HIV transmission through shared
needles.
- Safe Injection Practices: Training on safe
injection practices helps reduce the risk of
needle-stick injuries and transmission in
healthcare settings.

3. Mother-to-Child Transmission Prevention:

- Pregnant women with HIV should receive ART
to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus
to their babies during pregnancy, childbirth,
or breastfeeding

-
 4. HIV Testing and Counseling:
- Regular HIV testing and counseling are
important for early detection and prevention of
transmission. Knowing one’s HIV status helps
people take steps to protect their partners and
seek early treatment.

5. Education and Awareness:

- Public health campaigns and education programs
aimed at raising awareness about HIV, its
transmission, and prevention are crucial in
reducing the stigma associated with the disease
and encouraging safer behaviors.

10. Social and Economic

Impact of AIDS
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had profound
social and economic impacts on
communities, especially in regions with
high prevalence rates:

1. Stigma and Discrimination:

- People living with HIV/AIDS often
face stigma and discrimination, which can
lead to social isolation, mental health
challenges, and barriers to accessing
healthcare and support services.
Stigmatization also hampers prevention
efforts as people may avoid testing or
disclosing their status.

2. Economic Burden:
-The economic impact of HIV/AIDS is
significant, particularly in low-income
countries. The disease affects the
most productive age group (15-49
years), leading to a loss of labor
force and reduced economic
productivity.
Additionally, the cost of treatment and
care places a heavy financial burden
on individuals, families, and
healthcare systems.

3. Orphans and Vulnerable Children:

-HIV/AIDS has orphaned millions of
children, particularly in sub-Saharan
Africa. These children often face poverty,
lack of access to education, and
increased vulnerability to exploitation
and abuse.

4. Healthcare System Strain:

-The epidemic puts immense pressure on
healthcare systems, especially in
resource-limited settings. The demand for
HIV testing, treatment, and care services
often exceeds the available resources,
leading to challenges in providing
comprehensive care.
5. Global Response:
- International organizations,
governments, and NGOs have launched
various initiatives to combat the
epidemic, including funding for treatment,
prevention programs, and research. These
efforts have led to significant progress
in reducing new infections and improving
the quality of life for those living with
HIV.

11. Current Research

and Future Prospects
Research into HIV/AIDS continues to
advance, with ongoing efforts to develop new
treatments, vaccines, and potentially a cure.
Key areas of current research include:

1. HIV Vaccines:
-Developing an effective vaccine for HIV has
been a major challenge due to the virus’s
ability to rapidly mutate. However, researchers
are working on several vaccine candidates, some
of which are in advanced stages of clinical
trials.

2. Cure Research:
-Scientists are exploring various strategies
to cure HIV, including gene editing, stem cell
transplants, and "kick and kill" approaches that
aim to flush the virus out of its reservoirs in
the body and eliminate it.

3. Long-Acting ART:
-Long-acting antiretroviral formulations,
including injections that can be administered
every few months, are being developed to improve
adherence and reduce the burden of daily pill-
taking.

4. Combination Prevention:
-Combining different prevention strategies,
such as PrEP, condoms, and behavior change
interventions, is being studied to determine the
most effective ways to reduce HIV transmission
at the population level.

5. Microbicides:
-Topical products that can be applied to the
genital or rectal area to prevent HIV infection
are under investigation, offering an additional
prevention tool, particularly for women.

6. Social and Behavioral Research:

-Research into the social and behavioral
aspects of HIV prevention and treatment is
critical for understanding and addressing the
factors that influence the spread of the virus,
such as stigma, cultural beliefs, and access
to healthcare.
12. Conclusion
HIV/AIDS remains one of the most significant
public health challenges globally. While there
have been tremendous advancements in treatment
and prevention, the disease continues to impact
millions of people, particularly in low-resource
settings. Comprehensive strategies that include
education, prevention, early diagnosis, and
access to treatment are essential for
controlling the epidemic. Continued research
offers hope for new breakthroughs in treatment
and the eventual development of a cure or
vaccine. Addressing the social and economic
impacts of HIV/AIDS is also crucial in
supporting those affected and reducing the
stigma associated with the disease.