Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ( Aids ) - 1289 Words

Irrefutably, the immune system is ones’ shield against pathogens, ones’ knight in shining armor that confronts intruders. Over time the immune system can deteriorate, and that comes with age and declining health. Other times the immune system fights against itself causing autoimmune diseases that may or may not do irreparable harm. And sometimes, immune deficiency can be acquired. This is the case of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is a disease where the immune system depreciates its capability over the course of the illness due to Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the causative agent. Historically, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is thought to have mutated from the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) that is found in†¦show more content†¦The defining characteristic that differentiates the two is that HIV-2 progresses to AIDS at a decreased rate in clinical cases. There are also sub-groups within HIV-1 that geographically discriminate strains within the type (11). After discovering the causative agent of AIDS, HIV, the virus was isolated and classified with respect to the characteristics of a HIV virion. HIV is incorporated in the Lentivirus genus and the Retroviridae family. Specifically, HIV has two positive sense RNA strands in the nucleocapsid which is enveloped. With the help of certain enzymes encoded in the genome, the RNA is able to form double stranded DNA that is integrated into the host genome. (2) The global spread of this virus, after the hypothesized initial localized infection depicts the intricate and efficient transmission of HIV. The titer of the virus is greatest in the blood and bodily fluids (semen, vaginal secretions) of an infected person. One of the main transmission routes is through sexual contact. This sexual contact can be oral, anal or vaginal. The virus has access to the immune cells and the blood of an uninfected person when an HIV positive persons bodily fluids containing virus contacts uninfected hosts, thus giving means for transmission. Seeing as sexually transmitted infections and ulcerative sexually transmitted infections damage protective skin and mucosal layers, transmission of HIV is greatly