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HIV Pathology

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has infected 39.5 million individuals as of 2010. This virus leads to AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a life-threatening condition in which the immune system is unable to fight off infections and diseases.

  1. Contracting HIV

    • HIV enters a person's system through mucous membranes or blood to blood contact. Unprotected sex, whether anal, vaginal or oral, can transmit HIV, as can sharing needles with someone infected with HIV.

    Delayed Onset

    • Once infected with HIV, a type of slow-acting retrovirus, the immune system comes under attack; however, overt symptoms may not appear for several years. Test results for HIV are not accurate for at least 12 weeks after initial contact with the virus.

    The Viral Attack

    • HIV specifically attacks immune system cells called CD4+T. These are types of "helper cells" that attack invading pathogens.

    Using the Immune System Against Itself

    • HIV uses the human body's own immune system against itself by taking advantage of the aggressive response to the virus. Once immune system cells are released in an attempt to kill the virus, the virus, in turn, infects, replicates and kills those cells.

    AIDS

    • The gradual deterioration of the immune system's ability to fight infection eventually results in the destruction of organs and an immune-suppressed condition known as AIDS. Typical complications of AIDS include Kaposi's sarcoma, wasting syndrome and pneumonia.

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