HIV INFECTION

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immune

deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is a type of immune suppression which
cripples the human immune system and the ability of human body to
resist infectious diseases.
IN THIS PART, WE WILL KNOW ABOUT

▪ Infection of HIV
▪ Symptoms of AIDS
▪ Transmission of HIV
▪ Treatments
▪ Preventions
WHAT IS HIV?

▪ HIV is a type of retrovirus which comprises of an envelope

studded with glycoproteins
▪ This envelope surrounds a protein coat which contains the viral
genetic material (2 molecules of single-stranded RNA and a
reverse transcriptase enzyme)
▪ The enzyme reverse transcriptase enables the virus to make
DNA from its RNA template (definition to retrovirus)
▪ HIV destroys T₄ cells (helper T-cells) by using the glycoproteins
to recognize and bind to receptor molecules (CD4 molecules)
STRUCTURE OF HIV
INFECTION OF HIV

▪ HIV enters the body and attaches to CD4 receptor of the T₄ cells
▪ HIV fuses with the plasma membrane of T₄ cells
a) The coat proteins are removed by enzymes
b) The RNA molecules and reverse transcriptase enter the T₄ cells
c) Reverse transcriptase catalyses the DNA synthesis (single strand) which is
complementary to form complementary DNA (cDNA)
d) cDNA is incorporated as provirus into T₄ cell’s chromosomal DNA (can lie
dormant for many years)
e) Viruses bud from T₄ cell and released into the blood and attack other T₄ cells
f) As more and more of T₄ cells are destroyed, the immune system of infected
person deteriorates, making that person susceptible to various infections
▪ The provirus may transcribed into RNA when T₄ cells become
activated
a) The RNA serves as both messenger RNA (mRNA) for the formation of
HIV proteins and as genetic material for the new generations of viruses
formed
b) Protein coats from cDNA and reverse transcriptase molecules are able to
form new viruses

▪ HIV may also infects

1. Brain cells – cause gradual damaged
2. Bone marrow – cause the precursor cells in blood tissue to become a
‘pool’ for HIV
LIFE CYCLE OF HIV
SYMPTOMS OF AIDS
SYMPTOMS DESCRIPTION
No symptoms as a carrier The initial stages
• Fever The second stage
• Drastic loss of weight
• Persistent cough * Infection in the mouth and pharynx
• Fatigue
• Recurring bouts of diarrhea
• Candidiasis
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Pneumonia The third stage of the infection
• Kaposi’s sarcoma * Skin cancer, cancer of the lymphatic
• Lymphoma system, disruptions of the nervous system
• Mental disturbances due to the infected nerve cells
Death Within the next two years after the infected
person has developed full-blown AIDS in
five years
TRANSMISSION OF HIV & PREVENTIONS
*Through blood transfer, transfer of semen or vaginal fluid from carrier to others
TRANSMISSION
I. Multiple sex partners (HIV
carriers)
II. Sharing of needles or syringes
with an HIV carrier
III. Transfer of HIV by a mother
who is a carrier to her foetus
through the placenta before
birth
IV. Blood transfusions from a
carrier to the recipient
PREVENTIONS
I. Use of condoms
II. Restriction to one sexual
partner
III. Prevent drug abuse and avoid
sharing needles, syringes,
razors, toothbrushes
IV. Screen all donated blood for
the presence of anti-HIV
antibodies
V. Education
DRUG TREATMENTS

2. PROTEASE 1. REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE

INHIBITORS INHIBITORS

 Eg: Ritonavir and  Eg: Azidothymidine (AZT) and

Indinavir Dideoxyinosine (Ddl)
 To block cleavages  To inhibit the reproduction of virus by
that convert new blocking the formation of DNA from viral
viral proteins into RNA
building blocks for
new viruses
THANK YOU
ANY QUESTION ?