AIDS & how it effects the body… by Keith Anthony Thornton Junior

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). At risk groups are usually, either of the following groups listed below: Homosexual or bisexual men. Intravenous (needle) drug abusers. Men or women with multiple partners.

is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

At risk groups are usually, either of the following groups listed below:

Homosexual or bisexual men.

Intravenous (needle) drug abusers.

Men or women with multiple partners.

This large ball shaped object represents a CD4+ white blood cell. The red and blue dots represents the various stages of the virus effecting the cell.

HIV & its creation Enters the Body via infected blood or sexual fluids. Once in the body, HIV only multiplies and creates newbie's off of itself. The process begins when an infected particle comes into contact with a cell that carries on its surface a special protein called CD4. The virus sticks to the CD4 and eats it up, destroying every bit of the membrane. Without medication, the continuation of this process will lead to AIDS.

Enters the Body via infected blood or sexual fluids.

Once in the body, HIV only multiplies and creates newbie's off of itself.

The process begins when an infected particle comes into contact with a cell that carries on its surface a special protein called CD4.

The virus sticks to the CD4 and eats it up, destroying every bit of the membrane.

Without medication, the continuation of this process will lead to AIDS.

SYMPTOMS Fever Headache Tiredness Enlarged lymph nodes Dizziness Fatigue Weight Loss Sweats

Fever

Headache

Tiredness

Enlarged lymph nodes

Dizziness

Fatigue

Weight Loss

Sweats

Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) Present with lesions that begin as one or several red to purple-red macules, rapidly progressing to papules, nodules, and plaques, with a predilection for the head, neck, trunk, and mucous membranes. Treatment of HIV infection with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has resulted in fewer cases of epidemic KS. Sometimes people on HAART get aggressive KS that requires treatment with chemotherapy, radiation, or some therapy. Once KS develops it is still important to continue HAART -- in areas of the world where HAART is not easy to obtain, KS in AIDS patients can advance quickly and cause death in just 6 months. (www.cancer.org)

Present with lesions that begin as one or several red to purple-red macules, rapidly progressing to papules, nodules, and plaques, with a predilection for the head, neck, trunk, and mucous membranes.

Treatment of HIV infection with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has resulted in fewer cases of epidemic KS.

Sometimes people on HAART get aggressive KS that requires treatment with chemotherapy, radiation, or some therapy.

Once KS develops it is still important to continue HAART -- in areas of the world where HAART is not easy to obtain, KS in AIDS patients can advance quickly and cause death in just 6 months.

(www.cancer.org)

Lab Diagnosis Various tests can be performed to determine if you have contracted the HIV and/or AIDS virus. Results from tests vary from minutes to weeks, but are essential in helping a medical professional determine what procedures to take with an infected patient. ELISA test Western Blot DNA Swabbing CD4 & CD8 cell counts Lymph node biopsy Platelet counts

Various tests can be performed to determine if you have contracted the HIV and/or AIDS virus. Results from tests vary from minutes to weeks, but are essential in helping a medical professional determine what procedures to take with an infected patient.

ELISA test

Western Blot

DNA Swabbing

CD4 & CD8 cell counts

Lymph node biopsy

Platelet counts

Its all about timing… Know your status and protect yourself & those around you!