HIV Virus

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the body’s immune system. Discovered in the early 80’s and originally named HTLV-III (Human T-Lymphotropic Virus-III) or LAV (Lymphodenopathy-Associated Virus) it was given the name HIV in 1986. To this day there is still no vaccine or cure available for the HIV virus although there are certain anti-retroviral treatments that can help to keep the virus at bay and prolong the patient’s life, in some cases by as much as 20 years.

What Does HIV Do?
The virus primarily weakens the body’s immune system, clearing the way for opportunistic infections to develop which take advantage of the lack of defenses. The virus focuses on several different kinds of cell that make up the immune system. In the lymphoreticular system, the CD4+ T-Helper cells, Macrophages and Monocytes, as well as B-lymphocyte cells are those affected. The virus also attacks the microglia of the central nervous system and certain endothelial cells. Eventually, the body is no longer able to maintain enough of these cells to provide an adequate defense against infection and this is what leads to AIDS.

How Is It Transmitted?
The HIV virus can only pass between two people via the exchange of bodily fluids such as breast milk, blood, pre-ejaculate, semen and vaginal fluid. This means you are only at risk if you come into contact with one of these fluids from someone who is already infected. The virus cannot be transmitted through skin contact or by being in close proximity with someone who has it.