AIDS
Biology 314
What is AIDS ?
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Affects immune system
A – people pick it up from other people
Id – breakdown of body’s immune system
S –group of symptoms that indicate disease
Cause
Virus – human immunodeficiency virus
HIV
Attacks helper T cells
Enters body
recognized as an antigen
Body’s defenses are not successful
May be months or years before symptoms occur
When it does appear
Destroys helper T cells
Can’t fight disease
Diagnosis = AIDS
Symptoms
Like a cold at first
Swollen lymph glands, fever, weakness, weight loss
Develops infections
Cannot overcome
Type of pneumonia
Blood vessel cancer – Kaposi’s sarcoma
Both cause death
Attacks brain
Memory loss, loss of coordination, partial paralysis, mental disorder
How is AIDS spread ?
Sexually transmitted disease
Exchanged of body fluids
Semen, vaginal secretions
Blood to blood contact
IV drug users
Prior 1985 – blood transfusions
During pregnancy to unborn child
Prevention and treatment of AIDS
No sexual contact with a person with AIDS
Use of latex condoms
( US Surgeon General )Does not eliminate chances
Avoid blood to blood contact
Blood test ID if you have AIDS
Clinic or hospital
NO CURE
Biology and YOU
Go to page 212 of the textbook.
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