Understanding HIV
This page provides a foundational understanding of HIV, covering its basic biology, how it impacts the body, and the history of this virus.
What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It's a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4+ T cells (also known as T helper cells). These cells are vital for fighting off infections and diseases. Over time, HIV weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to defend itself.
How HIV Works
HIV is a retrovirus, which means it uses RNA as its genetic material. When HIV enters the body, it attaches to CD4+ T cells and takes over their machinery to make copies of itself. These new copies then go on to infect other cells, gradually destroying the immune system.
The HIV Life Cycle
(Include a simple diagram illustrating the HIV life cycle here)
The HIV life cycle can be broken down into several key steps:
- Binding and Entry: HIV binds to the surface of a CD4+ T cell and enters the cell.
- Reverse Transcription: HIV converts its RNA into DNA.
- Integration: The HIV DNA integrates into the host cell's DNA.
- Transcription: The integrated HIV DNA is used to create new viral RNA.
- Translation: The viral RNA is translated into viral proteins.
- Assembly: New HIV particles are assembled.
- Budding: New HIV particles bud off from the host cell, ready to infect other cells.
Different Types of HIV
There are two main types of HIV:
- HIV-1: This is the most common type of HIV found worldwide.
- HIV-2: This type is less common and is mainly found in West Africa.
While both types can cause AIDS, HIV-2 tends to progress more slowly.
A Brief History of HIV/AIDS
- Early 1980s: The first cases of what would later be known as AIDS are identified in the United States.
- 1983: Scientists isolate the virus responsible for AIDS, which is later named HIV.
- 1987: The first antiretroviral drug, AZT, is approved for use in people with HIV.
- 1990s: The development of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly improves the treatment of HIV and the outlook for people living with the virus.
- Today: While there is still no cure for HIV, ART allows people with HIV to live long and healthy lives and prevents sexual transmission of the virus.
This information provides a basic understanding of HIV. To learn more about how HIV is transmitted and how to protect yourself, visit our page on link to your Transmission & Prevention page.