Question

What are the causes, symptoms and methods of prevention and cure of AIDS?

Answer 1

Hint: AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome; it is the deficiency of the immune system acquired during the lifetime of an individual. It is a viral disease of humans that generally occurs by coming in contact with the body fluids of the affected individual.

Complete answer:
As discussed AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome. ‘Syndrome’ means a group of symptoms. AIDS is caused by a retrovirus, Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV). It has a protein envelope enclosing the viral RNA genome.

HIV-Infection can be transmitted by
- Having sexual contact with an infected individual
- Sharing infected needles as in the case of intravenous drug abusers
- Transfusion of infected blood
- From mother to her child through the placenta

Generally, the symptoms of AIDS differ from individual to individual, or an HIV infected patient might not show any symptoms at all. However, the most common symptoms of AIDS are-
- Fever
- Chills
- Joint pains
- Sore throat
- Sleepiness and weakness
- Swollen glands
- Rapid weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Pneumonia

AIDS can be detected by a widely used diagnostic test called enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). AIDS is treated by anti-retroviral drugs which are only partly effective. This can only prolong the life of the patient and not prevent death.

As AIDS has no cure, therefore, prevention is the best option. HIV infection spreads mainly due to conscious behaviour patterns. To avoid its spread people should be cautious and avoid having multiple sexual partners and always use disposable needles for blood transfusion. Expecting mothers must get tested for HIV before planning a child.

Note: National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) and other non-governmental organizations have taken up many steps to educate people about AIDS. WHO has started many programs to prevent the spread of HIV infection. Ensuring the use of only disposable needles at hospitals, controlling drug abuse, free distribution of condoms and advocating safe sex are some of the steps taken up.