The Discovery of Reverse Transcriptase

For their discovery of the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase (RT), Howard Temin, David Baltimore, and Renato Dulbecco shared the 1975 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. Temin and Baltimore discovered this enzyme, also known as RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, at the same time, but independently of each other. Dulbecco took no direct part in their experiments, but it was he who had taught them the methods they used to make their discovery.

RT is an enzyme produced by retroviruses, which are RNA viruses that make DNA copies of themselves and then insert those copies into host chromosomes. It plays an essential role in the reproduction of these molecular parasites. Well-known examples of retroviruses that can infect human beings are the agents of such diseases as AIDS or herpes.

Some retroviruses - oncoviruses - cause normal cells to become cancerous. Dulbecco's lab was the first to demonstrate this fact. They showed that the infection of normal cells with oncoviruses leads to the insertion of viral genes into host-cell chromosomes, which in turn can cause the cell to transition to a state of uncontrolled growth that gives rise to a malignant tumor (cancer). Oncoviruses are the cause of some forms of human cancer. However, in order to replicate a retrovirus must make a DNA copy of itself and then insert that copy into a host chromosome.

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Human Immunodeficiency Virus | HIV

Background Details | HIV |AIDS

HIV has been discovered to be the etiological agent of Aids in 1983. Since its preliminary finding, HIV may be experimentally shown to be able to exist within two distinct forms: HIV-1 and also HIV-2, the former which is actually particularly more virulent as well as widespread than the latter. While HIV-1 accounts for more compared to 99% of worldwide infection, HIV-2 makes up about a simple 0. 11% and is mainly confined to locations within India and also Western Africa. HIV-1 is further subdivided into three phylogenetically distinct and extremely divergent subgroups: M (key), O (outlier), and N (brand-new: Non-M, non-O). HIV-1 group M could be the subgroup responsible for the worldwide HIV/AIDS pandemic, accounting for nearly 99. 6% of all human being HIV infections which have been distributed throughout all continents. Thus, as a result, HIV-1 group M is the topic of much research (Kandathil et al).

HIV-1 team M contains plenty of genetic diversity between viral species, resulting in the group’s additional division in to 11 subtypes specified A-K (Travers et al ). Such subdivision of group M into subtypes was wholly in line with the sequence diversity regarding envelope (abbreviated env), one of the main genes within most retroviruses, as well as HIV-1, group M infections, because this is the gene locus harboring most the produced genetic variety.

Since these products regarding env, gp120 as well as gp41, are collectively the first contact regarding HIV using the immune system, they tend to be by description under the most pressure to acquire differences by way of generation of genetic diversity to be able to better evade the detection as well as surveillance from the host immune system. The high error rate regarding viral enzyme change transcriptase, recombination occasions that happen throughout virus-like replication, polymorphisms which are present within the human population, and pressure in the host immune system reaction all heavily contribute to the hereditary diversity present inside env. Data shows that less than 10% regarding differences can be found between env sequences within infections of the same subtype, and more than 15% distinction in between env sequences of viruses regarding specific subtypes (Bjorndal et al ). The overall genetic differences among most subtypes are due to these differences within env sequences as well as account for the variability in infectivity, transmissibility, course of HIV infection, vaccine effectiveness, diagnosis, as well as treatment (Tscherning et al ). A formerly underappreciated area of research, the genetic variety inside env across viral subtypes of HIV-1, specifically the actual diversity present within gp120 and within the V3 loop, may have important implications regarding treatment associated with HIV-1 along with antiretroviral drugs.

Process of Viral Admittance in to Target Cellular

The actual env gene regarding HIV is transcribed, converted, and glycosylated to form a single polyprotein product, glycoprotein ONE HUNDRED SIXTY (gp160), which is subsequently cleaved into glycoprotein 120 (gp120), an N-terminal extracellular proteins, as well as gp41, a C-terminal transmembrane proteins. These 2 glycoproteins non-covalently associate in the membrane surface: Each subunit of the trimeric, normally concealed gp41 associates inside a non-covalent manner having a trimeric surges of gp120, thereby anchoring gp120 within the virus-like membrane layer since the outermost receptor of HIV (Kieny et al ).

HIV uses its cover protein complicated, gp120 as well as gp41, in order to selectively hole along with higher affinity in order to it's cell receptor protein, CD4, located on the exterior of T cells. This binding in between gp120/gp41 and CD4 is responsible for mediating the procedure regarding virus-like as well as cellular membrane layer fusion as well as eventually facilitating the entry involving HIV into the host cell (Lu et al ). While CD4 is necessary for virus-like entry in to host target cellular material, it's not sufficient (Kieny et al ). Lu et 's demonstrated that even though interaction among gp120/gp140 and CD4 induces conformational modifications within gp120 that increase the publicity of the third variable loop of env (V3 loop ), it is not sufficient within permitting the membrane layer blend a reaction to happen. The V3 cycle is really a particular amino acid sequence within gp120 that's highly subject to genetic mutation and is critical in order to virus-like admittance. Furthermore, studies have shown that phrase of CD4 in non-human cell lines did not render these types of cells susceptible to an infection by HIV, recommending which another element, namely a co-receptor, plays a critical role within mediating membrane blend and viral entry into the host cell (Lu et al ). Thus, this had been shown that the binding of gp120/gp41 in order to CD4 and also the subsequent induction of a conformational change regarding gp120 which increased the actual exposure of the V3 loop requires the actual interaction associated with co-receptors CCR5 or even CXCR4 using the V3 cycle in order for virus-like entry to occur (Tscherning et al ). This binding regarding gp120/gp41 in order to both CD4 as well as chemokine receptor CCR5 or CXCR4 results in the dissociation of gp120 fro gp41 and also the formation of the hairpin structure within gp41 that's thrust to the host cellular membrane, ultimately allowing for membrane layer merging, eventual blend, as well as entry involving HIV to the target cellular (Gallo et al ).

Tropism

Viral tropism determines which host cells will be converted into infected based on which cellular receptors, or co-receptors, they spectacle on their cell membranes. Inside the justification of HIV, tropism determines which cellular co-receptor, CXCR4 or CCR5, the virus will aid to help mediate its access into its host cell. Both CXCR4 and CCR5 are seven-transmembrane-domain G-protein coupled receptors with the intention of support membrane fusion by env proteins in a CD4-dependent create. CXCR4 serves as the opinion access co-factor pro T-cell-line-tropic viruses, or CXCR4-tropic viruses (X4 tropic viruses), while CCR5 serves as the principal access co-factor pro macrophage tropic (M tropic) viruses, or CCR5 tropic viruses (R5 tropic viruses). Naturally following, X4 tropic viruses save the skill to exclusively infect T cell shape, or circulating activated T cells, R5 tropic viruses save the skill to exclusively infect macrophages, and X4/R5 tropic viruses be inflicted with the inclusive skill to infect both T cells shape and macrophages and are hence termed dual tropic (Bjorndal et al).

Clinical Implications associated with Viral Tropism

Bjorndal et al has experimentally demonstrated the actual natural phenotype associated with HIV-1, either rapid replication to higher titers of virus (rapid/high) as well as syncytium inducing (SI ), or slow duplication to reduced titers associated with virus (slow/low) and non-syncytium inducing (NSI), can be determined through the virus-like tropism, that is whether the viruses tend to be X4 tropic, R5 tropic, or even dual tropic (Bjorndal et al ). For those HIV-1 subtypes, X4 tropic viruses are completely correlated with rapid/high, SI behavior, greater rate of decline of CD4+ T lymphocytes, and early development of HELPS, whereas R5 viruses tend to be associated with slow/low, NSI conduct, a lot reduce rate of decline of CD4+ lymphocytes, asymptomatic an infection, as well as overall delayed onset connected with AIDS, and dual tropic infections exhibit the actual expected intermediary characteristics. Thus, the biological phenotype connected with HIV seen in vitro, as well as the tropism of the virus, can be used as a predictive marker regarding progression of the infection (Bjorndal et al).

Research regarding HIV-1 possess demonstrated that progression from stages of asymptomatic infection, typically attribute regarding R5 tropic infections, in order to stages involving obtained immunodeficiency, usually characteristic associated with X4 tropic viruses, is associated with the gradual increase within the ability to induce syncytia in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and a chance to replicate in T cellular lines, each of that is characteristic of X4 tropic infections (Bjorndal et al ). Basically, the course of HIV-1 infection often features a switch in co-receptor utilization from using R5 to using X4 approximately eight to ten years after the first period involving infection as the disease changes from asymptomatic or mild infection to acquisition of immunodeficiency, a big change marking the beginning of expanded focus on cellular range as well as worsened clinical prognosis (Pastore et al ). This co-receptor switching is created possible through the generation connected with genetic variety with env, specifically within the V3 loop.

The V3 cycle, or the third variable area inside env involved directly in co-receptor binding, is the location of amino acids whose overall net cost can predict the tropism of the virus. The internet charge from the V3 cycle is dependent upon summing the positive as well as negative amino acid residues inside the V3 cycle. Typically, a net charge of under +5 corresponds with an R5 tropic virus, whereas a net charge involving equal to or greater than +5 corresponds with an X4 tropic virus. In addition towards the overall net charge from the V3 loop, the tropism from the virus will be strongly influenced through the charge of the amino acids within two very specific, distinct locations: Amino acid positions 11 as well as TWENTY FIVE. The presence of the neutral or even uncharged amino acid in position number 11, usually both serine or glycine, is indicative of an R5 tropic virus whereas the actual presence of the positively charged amino acid in position number 11, usually either arginine or lysine, is indicative of an X4 tropic virus. In position number 25, the presence of the negatively charged amino acidity, namely aspartate or glutamate, is indicative of an R5 tropic virus as well as the presence of the uncharged amino acid with this position is indicative of an X4 tropic computer virus (Delobel et al ). The info regarding the entire net charge from the V3 cycle, together using the charges from specific loci inside the V3 loop, can thus supply to precisely predict virus-like tropism.

Delta 32

The actual delta 32 mutation is a mutation that involves the deletion of 32 base pairs in the CCR5 protein that is present on the surface regarding macrophages, rendering the proteins non-functional. Individuals who are homozygous with this mutation tend to be therefore relatively resistant to an infection through CCR5-tropic HIV. Individuals who are heterozygous with this mutation are proven to still be able to get infected along with R5 tropic HIV, but their infection as well as total virus-like duplication progresses a lot more slowly than normal HIV positive individuals without this mutation.

Solution of HIV: Antiretrovirals

Antiretroviral medications have completely revolutionized the prognosis and endurance of those coping with HIV. Antiretrovirals extremely effective when taken as prescribed. Research scientists are constantly on the lookout for new ways to target the virus, and thus new antiretrovirals are constantly becoming reviewed for release to the general public. An inclusive checklist of all the classes involving antiretroviral drugs specific in order to dealing with HIV an infection, every having a particular instance, is as follows:

Antiretrovirals	Generic	Brand
Protease inhibitors, which piece to inhibit the viral enzyme protease from cleaving gp160 into gp120 and gp41	Ritonavir	Norvir
Integrase inhibitors, which bring about to inhibit the viral enzyme integrase so with the intention of viral cDNA can not be integrated into the host genome	Raltegravir	Isentress
Nucleoside analogs, which piece to inhibit the action of reverse transcriptase by preventing the enzyme from reverse transcribing viral RNA into proviral DNA	Zidovudine/AZT	Retrovir
Entry/fusion inhibitors, which piece by blocking HIV from entering cells	Maraviroc	Selzentry
Nucleotide analogs, which also piece to inhibit the action of reverse transcriptase by preventing the enzyme from reverse transcribing viral RNA into proviral DNA	Tenofovir	Viread
Non-nucleoside inhibitors, which also work to inhibit the activity of reverse transcriptase by preventing the enzyme from reverse transcribing viral RNA into proviral DNA	Nevirapine	Viramine

Vaccine Efforts

Recently, an adenovirus-vector HIV vaccine candidate was tested in clinical trials and was found to really expand recipient's susceptibility to contracting HIV. No current vaccine is open to prevent against HIV infection of a few subtype. However, a vaccine is open to protect cats against Feline Leukemia Virus.

Mayo Clinic teams with glowing cats against FIV/AIDS

Novel system stretches cats protection genes

Mayo Clinic experts allow us a brand new immunization strategy to fight cat AIDS and also illuminate ways to battle individual HIV/AIDS along with other diseases. Your aim is usually to develop pet cats along with intrinsic immunity towards the cat AIDS virus. The actual findings seem in today's online problem associated with Nature Procedures.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) brings about Aids in pet cats as the individual immunodeficiency virus (HIV) does inside people: Through depleting the body's infection-fighting T-cells. The feline and also human variations connected with key meats of which secure mammals against virus invasion are usually unproductive against FIV and HIV respectively. The Mayo team created a means to insert effective monkey types of them in to cats.

"One of the most effective things about this biomedical research is actually it is geared towards reaping helpful benefits the two man and cat health, " says Eric Poeschla, M. D., leader with the study. "It may help cats approximately folks. "

Dr. Poeschla goodies affected individuals together with HIV in addition to experiments how a virus replicates. HIV/AIDS provides killed over 30 million people in addition to left plenty of kids orphaned, without any successful vaccine on the horizon. Less recognized is which millions of cats furthermore go through in addition to die through FIV/AIDS annually. Considering that the project considerations means released genes offers safeguard in opposition to viruses, the knowledge and technology the idea makes could possibly ultimately assist efficiency of various endangered cats surviving in your wild.

The actual strategy is named gamete-targeted lentiviral transgenesis, that involves applying family genes directly into eggs just before semen fertilization. Making it by using it regarding the very first time within a carnivore, the particular team injected some sort of gene for just a rhesus macaque gene recognized to prevent cell disease by means of FIV, and a jellyfish gene pertaining to following reasons. The particular second option makes this children pet cats light environment friendly, which makes it an easy task to notify which cats happen to be genetically modified.

Your macaque gene, TRIMCyp, blocks FIV by simply targeting and also disabling this virus's surface shield because it tries to get into a new cell. The particular researchers understand that is successful in a very culture dish in addition to would like to determine how it will eventually do the job with vivo.

The method pertaining to applying protective family genes is actually very efficient, in order that practically all offspring develop the genes. And the security aminoacids are made through the entire cat's body. The pet cats using the safety genes are generally thriving and have generated cats whose cells produce the particular aminoacids, as a result proving that the put genes keep on being energetic in successive generations.

See More: http://www.macroevolution.net/fiv.html#.T0zhbXlui1U..

HIV | AIDS

What's HIV?

"HIV" stands regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Many people also make reference to HIV as the "AIDS virus. "

How Is the Virus Transmitted?

HIV lives within bloodstream and other entire body fluids which contain blood or white blood vessels cellular material. People have obtained HIV through:

Unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV-infected man or women. This consists of vaginal or anal intercourse, as well as oral sex upon a person with no condom or even additional barrier. Intercourse while a female is getting her period, or during outbreaks of genital sores or lesions (due to herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases) may increase the risk of HIV transmission.

Sharing drug injection equipment (needles and/or works ); or being unintentionally stuck by needles or sharp objects contaminated with infected bloodstream.

Infected bloodstream utilized in transfusions, and infected blood products utilized in the treatment of certain diseases and disorders (like hemophilia), before March, 1985.

Pregnancy, childbirth, and/or breastfeeding, where the virus is passed from mother to kid.

Transplanted internal organs from contaminated donors. (Schedule testing of body organ donors also began in 1985.)

HIV and AIDS are not transmitted through casual contact (which is, exactly where no bloodstream or even entire body liquids are participating ). HIV is what will get passed through person to person. People don't "catch AIDS"; these people "become infected along with HIV. "

What Does an "HIV-Positive" Analyze Result Mean?

A positive analyze outcome indicates your body has been contaminated through HIV as well as that you are capable of transmitting this to others. The analyze didn't look for the actual virus itself, but found evidence of it in your blood vessels. There's no method to inform from this outcome who offered a person the virus, just how long you've had it, or whenever it will begin to affect your health. You may see or hear the outcomes called "HIV positive, " "HIV+, " "HIV-antibody positive, " or "seropositive regarding HIV. " These terms all mean the same thing.

People who have already been infected with HIV are believed to possess "HIV disease. " As the virus itself is not a disease, it progressively damages your body's immune system. This particular puts you in danger for building illnesses you would not otherwise get.

At this time, doctors don't know of any way in order to rid the body regarding HIV. There is no cure. Once you've been contaminated, you have it for life.

Viruses tend to end up being specialiststs. These people absolutely no in on the couple of specific kinds of tissue in your body and move in. The actual human being immunodeficiency virus is better known with regard to targeting the T cells from the immune system. However, additionally, it may attack cells of serotonin levels, nervous system, digestive program, lymphatic system, and other body parts.

The immune system consists of specific tissue within the blood stream that fight off invading microbes to keep the body healthy. The actual "T" cells (generally known as "T4, " "helper-T, " or even "CD4" cells) are the brains from the operation. These whitened bloodstream cells identify invaders and give orders to soldier-type cells, which then fight various microorganisms, viruses, cancers, fungus, as well as unwanted organisms which can make a person sick.

Like just about all viruses, the HIV is just interested in one thing: Reproducing itself. Once it has attacked as well as relocated into a T cell, this converts which cell into a small virus factory. Eventually you will find so many new viruses in the cell that the T cell explodes, scattering the HIV back into the actual bloodstream. The virus after that moves on to clean T cells as well as repeats the process. Over time, the HIV can destroy almost all of the infected person's T cells in this manner.

Then What Happens?

With fewer and fewer "leaders" to rely on with regard to warnings, the "soldier" cellular material turn out to be helpless. They can't identify as well as fight away typical organisms that could not current an issue to some wholesome immune system. These organisms might be lying dormant in your body already, or may get into from outside. The immune system's weakness gives them the opportunity to wake up, multiply, as well as trigger illness. Thus, we call these illnesses "opportunistic infections. " People with completely working immune techniques tend to be rarely troubled through these particular infections-but individuals with damaged defense techniques are highly susceptible to all of them.

Therefore What is the connection Among HIV and AIDS?

When a person with an HIV-weakened immune system comes down with one or more of these rare opportunistic infections, or has a T cell count below 200 or even 14%, that person can be identified by a physician as getting AIDS. "AIDS" stands for "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. " The actual "syndrome" part implies that AIDS is not a single illness however a collection of illnesses. The Centers with regard to Disease Control (CDC) provides come up with a summary of 26 "AIDS-defining illnesses" within adults. Diagnosis of AIDS in children entails a summary of somewhat different conditions.

Stop Hiv- AIDS

Details On HIV | AIDS

 What is HIV?

"HIV" stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Many persons also refer to HIV as the "AIDS virus.”

How is the virus Transmitted?

HIV lives in blood and other body fluids that hold blood or white blood cells. People have gotten HIV throughout:

• Unprotected sexual interaction with an HIV-infected human being. This includes vaginal or anal interaction, and by word of mouth sex on a man or woman without a condom or other barrier. association while a woman is having her period, or during outbreaks of genital sores or lesions (caused by herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases) can increase the risk of HIV transmission.

• sharing drug injection equipment (needles and/or works); or being accidentally stuck by needles or sharp objects contaminated with infected blood.

• infected blood used in transfusions, and infected blood products used in the treatment of certain diseases and disorders (like hemophilia), before March 1985. (Since 1985, federally mandated screening of the blood supply has reduced the risk of transmission through this route to 1 in 255, 000.)

• pregnancy, childbirth, and/or breastfeeding, where the virus is passed from mother to child.

• transplanted organs from infected donors. (Routine screening of organ donors also began in 1985.)

HIV and AIDS are not transmitted through casual contact (that is, where no blood or body fluids are involved). HIV is what gets passed from person to person. People don't "catch AIDS"; they "become infected with HIV. "

How do you prevent infection with HIV?

HIV in sufficient amounts to cause infection exists in blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. You can prevent infection with HIV by making sure that these fluids from an HIV-infected man or woman don't have a chance to enter your body. The best ways to be sure are to practice safer sex by using condoms and to refuse to share drug-injection equipment with anyone.

• Use a latex condom every time you have sex.

If you have vaginal or anal sex, use a latex condom. Use a condom or a dental dam (a square of latex) if you have oral sex. A condom will keep the virus, which can be found in semen or vaginal fluids, from getting into your body. Always use a latex condom; lambskin condoms don't protect you from HIV. Always use a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly or Foreplay. Oil-based lubricants, like vegetable oil, hand lotion, or petroleum jelly (Vaseline), can make the condom break. It is best to use a lubricant that does not contain the spermicide nonoxynol-9. Research shows that nonoxynol-9 does not protect against HIV, and in fact, may cause irritation that can make it easier for HIV to be transmitted. For more information on nonoxynol-9, see this factsheet, created by the Global Campaign for Microbicides(see“global-campaign.org/index.htm”). Also, remember that many kinds of sex won't put you at risk for HIV infection. Try massage, masturbation (with a partner or alone), foreplay, phone sex, or kissing.

• Always use a sterile syringe.

If you use a syringe or needle for any reason, the best way to protect yourself from contracting HIV is to ALWAYS use a sterile syringe and needle and to never share them with anyone. Remember that cookers and cotton can also have HIV in them, so do not share them with anyone either.

What does an "HIV-positive" test result mean?

A positive test result means your body has been infected by the human immunodeficiency virus - and that you are capable of transmitting it to others. The test did not look for the actual virus itself, but found evidence of it in your blood. There's no way to tell from this result who gave you the virus, how long you've had it, or when it will begin to affect your health. You may see or hear the results called "HIV-positive, " "HIV+, " "HIV-antibody positive, " or "seropositive for HIV. " These terms all mean the same thing. People who have been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus are said to have "HIV disease. " While the virus itself is not a disease, it progressively damages the body's immune system. This puts you at risk for developing illnesses you wouldn't otherwise get.

At this time, doctors don't know of any way to rid the body of HIV. There is no cure. Once you've been infected, you have it for life.

How does HIV harm the body?

Viruses tend to be specialists. They zero in on a few particular types of cells in the body and move in. The human immunodeficiency virus is best known for targeting the T cells of the immune system. However, it can also attack cells of the brain, nervous system, digestive system, lymphatic system, and other parts of the body.

The immune system is made up of specialized cells in the bloodstream that fight off invading germs to keep the body healthy. The "T" cells (also referred to as "T4,” "helper-T, " or "CD4" cells) are the brains of the operation. These white blood cells identify invaders and give orders to soldier-type cells, which then battle various bacteria, viruses, cancers, fungi, and parasites that can make a person sick.

Like all viruses, HIV is only concerned in one thing: Reproducing itself. Once it has attacked and moved into a T cell, it converts that cell into a miniature virus factory. Eventually there are so many new viruses in the cell that the T cell explodes, scattering the HIV back into the bloodstream. The virus then moves on to fresh T cells and repeats the process. Over time, HIV can destroy virtually all of an infected person's T cells in this manner.

With fewer and fewer "leaders" to rely on for warnings, the "soldier" cells become powerless. They can no longer recognize and fight off common organisms that would not present a problem to a healthy immune system. These organisms may be lying dormant in the body already, or may enter from outside. The immune system's weakness gives them the opportunity to wake up, multiply, and cause illness. Thus, we call these illnesses "opportunistic infections. " People with fully functioning immune systems are almost never troubled by these particular infections -- but those with damaged immune systems are highly vulnerable to them.

So what's the connection between HIV and AIDS?

When a person with an HIV-weakened immune system comes down with one or more of these rare opportunistic infections, or has a T cell count below 200 or 14%, that person may be diagnosed by a doctor as having AIDS. "AIDS" stands for "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. " The "syndrome" part means that AIDS is not a single disease but a collection of diseases. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has put together a list of 26 "AIDS-defining illnesses" in adults. Diagnosis of Aids in children involves a list of slightly different ailments.

AIDS can be thought of as the most severe form of HIV disease. HIV is the primary agent that leads to the development of AIDS.

Importantly, though, not all people with HIV have AIDS. In fact, statistics from 2000 report that only about 32% of the estimated one million people in the U. S. Now infected with HIV have progressed to that stage of the disease. It is not yet known whether everyone living with HIV will go on to develop AIDS, or if HIV is the only factor that causes it. AIDS is only a small part of the total HIV picture; many experts describe it as "the tip of the iceberg. "

How much time do i have before I get sick?

One of the most important determining factors in whether or not a person will get sick largely depends on how soon in the disease progression they seek medical care. But, everyone with HIV will have a different experience. Those who do not receive drug therapy will increase their chances of becoming ill. A few men and women won't have any HIV-related symptoms at all. They may only come down with an AIDS-defining illness years down the road when their T cells are almost gone -- if ever. Others will face a continuing series of non-life-threatening symptoms (rashes, fungal infections, diarrhea) as the virus gradually weakens their immune system.

Based on past experience, most people who test positive for HIV will likely fall somewhere in between these two illness extremes. They can expect to have a few symptoms here and there over a number of years before being diagnosed with "frank" (or "full-blown" or "classic") AIDS. Symptoms won't show up on any set schedule or in any particular order.

Experts now say the average length of time between infection with the virus and diagnosis of the first serious AIDS-related illness is 10-15 years. Though no one knows exactly why, a large percentage of women, infants, and the elderly seem to become ill sooner.

However, keep in mind that these "predictions" apply to the group of HIV-infected people as a whole. You as an individual may have a very different outlook. A lot can depend on your general state of health at the time you got the virus, how long you've had it -- and how aggressively you decide to fight it now. Only time will tell what your own experience will be.

What if I previously have AIDS?

If you've already been diagnosed with AIDS, you may be sick now, but that doesn't mean you'll stay sick. With proper treatment, opportunistic infections can clear up and you could feel fine again (although you will, medically speaking, still have AIDS). Average life expectancy for people with AIDS varies widely. There are people who have lived with the disease for 20 years or more.

The key thing to remember is, an HIV-positive test result or diagnosis of AIDS is not an automatic, immediate "death sentence. " There are drugs and other preventive measures you can take to help increase your chances for staying well. With good medical care and a positive mental attitude, you can "survive and thrive" for years to come.

Doesn't AIDS kill you?

While the virus itself does not cause death, the opportunistic infections it allows are often lethal. Without therapy, the HIV virus is nearly 100% fatal.

In the past several years, however, critical advances in knowledge, drugs, and treatment philosophies have had a great impact on the life expectancy of HIV-positive individuals. Today, hundreds of thousands of HIV-positive men and women live long and productive lives thanks to new therapy regimens. But it is important to note that there is no cure for HIV. HIV therapies can be expensive and difficult to take, often resulting in severe, and in some cases, debilitating side effects. Not everyone benefits from HIV therapy. While there remains hope for people living with HIV, it is critical for every person, HIV-positive or negative, to practice prevention. For more information on national treatment guidelines, please see this “aidsinfo.nih.gov/”.

What symptoms or illnesses must i be inspection out for?

As mentioned, the CDC has drawn up a specific list of AIDS-defining illnesses. Doctors use this list to make a diagnosis of Aids in their HIV-infected patients who become ill.

The most common AIDS-related illness is pneumocystis carinii pneumonia ("PCP, " for short). The first symptoms to look out for are a dry cough and unusual shortness of breath. The bad news about PCP is that it's one of the most deadly diseases you'll be likely to face. The good news is, it often can be prevented. Your doctor can prescribe medication to be used on a regular basis. This is known as "prophylactic treatment. "

Kaposi's sarcoma (or "KS") is a cancer-like illness that occurs mainly in gay men. Those who get it may notice pink, brown, or purplish spots or lesions on their skin, or in their nose or mouth. KS can also show up internally. The external lesions can often be successfully removed, and the disease is treatable with radiation and chemotherapy.

There are 24 other AIDS-defining illnesses and conditions on the CDC list. You can ask your doctor to tell you more about them. Only a licensed medical practitioner is qualified to make a diagnosis of AIDS.

In general, if you notice any of the following symptoms in an extreme, chronic, or unexplainable form, it may signal an HIV- or AIDS-related condition:

1.       Night sweats or fever

2.       Cough, shortness of breath, tightness or pressure in the chest

3.       Loss of appetite

4.       Fatigue

5.       Weight loss

6.       Diarrhea

7.       Pain or difficulty swallowing

8.       Headaches

9.       Confusion or forgetfulness

10.     Change in vision

11.     Swollen glands

12.     Sores or whitish patches in the mouth

13.     Specific women's health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic yeast infections, and cervical abnormalities

14.     Any new skin condition (rash, hives, lump, lesion, sore, spot, or growth).

The key words to remember here are "extreme, " "chronic" (meaning it won't go away), and "unexplainable. " Every symptom on the list could just as easily apply to some other condition that may have nothing to do with HIV or AIDS. A person with one or more of those symptoms could have a plain old touch of the flu, just like anyone else. Try to resist the temptation to panic at every little twinge or "blah" day; it doesn't necessarily mean you now have AIDS, or that the end is near. If there's any doubt in your mind, ask your doctor.

What if I'm significant or enclose children?

If you are a mother or about to become one, you may feel an additional burden in response to the news that you're HIV-positive. It's natural for your mind to race through terrible questions: Are my children infected? If they are, will i see them die? What will happen to them if i die first? What will they think of me? How can i forgive myself if they contracted HIV through me? Facing your own illness may seem easy next to the specter of watching your children suffer or die.

To ease your mind of these worries, you'll want to gather lots of information. If you're pregnant now, decide whether you want to proceed with the pregnancy. If the answer is yes, learn what steps can be taken to help protect your health and the baby's. Don't assume any child born to you will be HIV-positive. The chances of delivering a baby with HIV can be as low as 1 in 12 when preventive measures are taken. As a mother or mother-to-be, it's more important than ever to seek out early medical care.

Recent clinical trials have shown that AZT (an antiviral medication) can reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child more than threefold when the drug is administered to the mother during the pregnancy and delivery, and to the newborn during the first six weeks of life. If you are pregnant, the opportunity to decrease the chance that your baby will develop HIV infection is an important consideration as you examine your options. However, the decision to undergo this treatment or any other is yours alone. Get as much information as you can, and follow the course of action you feel most comfortable with.

What is Nonoxynol-9 and can it prevent HIV?

Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) (“archive.aidschicago.org/prevention/n9education.php”) is a detergent found in products sold over the counter as contraceptive spermicides. Condoms with added "spermicide" contain N-9, a chemical additive that, in addition to killing sperm, can erode the internal surfaces of the body, causing irritation and urinary tract infections. This can increase the risk of HIV infection during both vaginal and anal sex.

“archive.aidschicago.org/prevention/n9education.php” for more information.

What are microbicides?

Microbicides are anti-HIV ingredients that could be added to gels, foams, and creams that would be used during vaginal and/or rectal intercourse to reduce the risk of HIV infection. Microbicides could be used with condoms or alone, in situations where individuals will not or cannot negotiate condom usage with their partner. In these situations, individuals need the ability to have protection against HIV without a partner's knowledge. Currently, almost 30 possible microbicides have been developed and are in the research pipeline, but additional funding is needed to ensure these important HIV prevention tools become available worldwide. For more info see “archive.aidschicago.org/prevention/microbicides.php”

Anything in addition I need to keep track of?

Once you get established with a doctor, you will undergo periodic tests to monitor the number of T cells remaining in your blood. This "T cell count" or "CD4 count" will give you and your doctor an idea of how fast and far your disease is progressing, and help you decide when to schedule various treatments.

As a rule, an adult with a healthy immune system would expect to have a T cell count between 800 and 1500. An HIV-infected person with a T cell count of 500 might want to think about starting combination therapy to slow down the virus. People with counts below 200 usually are advised to add preventive treatments for PCP and other infections. You and your doctor can discuss these and other treatments together and decide which ones are best for you to try.

Keep in mind that T cell counts are neither exact nor unchanging. Your T cells may go up and down over time in response to pregnancy, an illness, a new medication, or many other factors. Counts may also vary considerably from day to day or at different times of day. Not everyone experiences a steady downward decline. Ultimately, the approximate number of T cells you have at any given time is much less important than your general state of health. You may have 400 T cells and feel lousy, or 10 T cells and feel great. Try not to let an unexpected or disappointing test result shake you up too much.

Where can i get more information?

The best place to go for advice about living with HIV is your own doctor. However, if she or he is not an HIV specialist, you both may benefit from further reading or consultation. (Besides, no one person -- your doctor included -- can be expected to know everything. )#) There are many excellent information sources and publications available free or at low cost from around the country. Please review our links(“archive.aidschicago.org/links/index.php”) document for a listing of other online resources. You may also call the state of Illinois HIV/AIDS and STD Hotline at 1-800-AID-AIDS for more information on AIDS and for referrals to testing and other services.

The point is, no matter where you are, you needn't feel isolated. Today's technology allows people living in small towns and rural areas access to the same high-quality information and support available in large urban areas. Let the big city come to you!

See for more info “archive.aidschicago.org”.