HIV

Retroviruses. Currrently designates the AIDS virus. There are two main types: HIV-1 causes HIV in North America, Central Africa and Western Europa, and Hiv-2 causing similar disease in West Africa. Cell-mediated immunity is copromised which leads to an increased susceptibility to opportunistic infection such as Pneumocystis carinii and unusual malignant diseases, e.g Koposi's sarcoma. Management involves the use of antiviral drugs, usually in combination to prevent resistance, and antimicrobial drugs to reduce to risk of opportunistic infection. The virus is spread by contact with blood and other body fluids. This may occur through sexual contact, drug users sharing equipment, accidental exposure, such as through needlestick injuries, or by the tranfusion of infected blood/blood products. Prophylactic treatmen-t is offered following occupational exposure, and to prenant women found to be HIV-positive to reduce the risk of transmission to the fetus -->acquried immune deficiency syndrome.