Question

A patient visited physician and complained about the following symptoms: I am HIV infected; I have short breath, frequent unproductive cough, headache and high temperature.

1. What is the disease and its etiologic agent _________________________________

2. Describe the general characteristics of the agent______________________________

3. How is the disease transmitted?_________________________________

4. What other symptoms are caused by this agent?_____________________________

5. How can it be prevented?_____________________________________

6. What diagnostic methods are used?___________________________________

Answer 1

1 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the causative agent for AIDS

2 HIV is a spherical virus with an envelope comprised of a lipid bilayer and surface glycoproteins, gp120 and gp41, that attach to host cell receptors, CD4 and CCR5. HIV primarily attacks CD4+ helper T cells by recognizing and binding the CD4 receptor on the surface of the T cells.

3 HIV is spread only in certain body fluids from a person who has HIV. These fluids are blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk

4 headache, fever, tiredness, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, thrush, rash, muscle and joint pain.

5 Protect yourself by using protection while having an intercourse, and don’t share needles with anyone

6 The primary tests for diagnosing HIV and AIDs include: ELISA Test ELISA, which stands for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is used to detect HIV infection. If an ELISA test is positive, the Western blot test is usually administered to confirm the diagnosis.