| A Better Sex Definition: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the condition caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency viruses, HIV-I and HIV-II that result in a damaged immune system. The typical source of infection with HIV is the exchange of body fluids containing the virus with an infected person. The virus has been detected in blood, semen, urine and feces. Exposure may occur from sharing needles during intravenous drug use, engaging in anal or vaginal intercourse with an infected person, or during blood transfusions in countries where blood products are not tested. The virus can be passed from infected mother to fetus during pregnancy and through breast feeding. Myths about transmission abound. Lesbian sexual activity involving exchange of body fluids with an infected partner has accounted for cases of HIV infection, contrary to common belief. Saliva alone has not, to date, been demonstrated to contain the virus in quantities large enough to produce infection in a partner. The incubation period before which testing will detect antibodies to the virus varies from several weeks to several months, and in some rare cases, years. The ELISA test (Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay) (Link to ELISA test) is used to identify antibodies in the blood. False negatives may occur if the test is done before the body has had an opportunity to develop antibodies to HIV. Thus, if there is reason to suspect the possibility of HIV, a second test should be performed about six months after the date of possible infection. A negative result at this time is more than 99 percent accurate. False positives also occur because the HIV antibody is similar to other antibodies in the blood. Another test, more costly but more specific, the Western Blot (link to Western Blot), is used to confirm antibody presence if the ELISA test is positive. This test is highly accurate if testing occurs at least six months after the last possible date of infection. Following the incubation period, symptoms of other diseases or opportunistic infections as a result of the damaged immune system not being an effective fighter may occur. Some reported symptoms include infections, cough, swollen glands in the neck, armpits and/or groin, diarrhea, white spots in the mouth or on the tongue, tiredness, loss of appetite, blotches or bumps on the skin or inside the eyelids, mouth, nose or rectum. Many deaths from AIDS are caused by a lung infection of the bacterium Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. |
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