HIV/AIDs in the U.S.

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By J. Sebastian Chavez-Erazo

An Introduction to HIV/AIDs

Mechanism of Infection of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. [1].

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a harmful retrovirus that, if left untreated, will lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in humans. HIV works by attacking specific cells in the immune system: CD4 cells or T cells. HIV destroys these immune system cells enough over time that the body can not protect itself against infections and disease. The final stage of HIV infections is characterized by AIDS where the immune system is damaged enough that it becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections. An opportunistic infection or a combination of them are the most likely cause of death in AIDS patients. If left untreated, individuals living with AIDS who are diagnosed with an opportunistic illness have a life expectancy of about one year.

A Basic explanation of Antiretroviral Treatments

Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

Pre-/Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

In recent years, pre-exposure and post exposure prophylactic treatments for populations at high risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection have become increasingly studied and emphasized as vital to the decreased transmission of HIV resulting in decreased rates of Advanced Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) development in differing world populations.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

PrEP has given a specific population the opportunity to have a 90% reduction in the chance of contracting HIV with the use of the daily pill, Truvada (oral emtricitabine (FTC)/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)). The product is said to be available to any person regardless of their sexual and gender identity but in there lies the problem with PrEP, many people who are at high risk of contracting HIV are not receiving it. .

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

Challenges to HIV/AIDs Prevention and Treatment

The product [PrEP] is said to be available to any person regardless of their sexual and gender identity but in there lies the problem with PrEP, many people who are at high risk of contracting HIV are not receiving it.

Conclusion

References

[1] aids.gov. "HIV AIDS 101".

[2] Blashill AJ, Ehlinger PP, Mayer KH, and Safren SA. "Optimizing adherence to preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis: the need for an integrated biobehavioral Approach. 2015. Clinical Infectious Diseases 60(S3):S187-90.

[3] Jain S, Krakower DS, Mayer KH. "The transition from postexposure prophylaxis to preexposure prophylaxis: an emerging opportunity for biobehavioral HIV prevention. 2015. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 60(S3):S2000-4.

[4] Brown KC. et. al. (9 coauthors). "Single and multiple dose pharmacokinetics of maraviroc in saliva, semen, and rectal tissue of healthy HIV-negative Men. 2010. Journal of Infectious Diseases. 203:1484-90.

[5] Grant RM, Liegler T. Weighing the Risk of Drug Resistance With the Benefits of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis. 2015. Journal of Infectious Diseases. 211:1202-4.

[6] Liu AY, et. al. (eight coauthors). 2008. Limited Knowledge and Use of HIV Post- and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Gay and Bisexual Men. Epidemiology and Social Science. 47:241-7.

[7] Dumond JB. et. al. (ten coauthors). 2007. Antiretroviral drug exposure in the female genital tract: implications for oral pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. AIDS 21(14): 1899-1907

[8] Oldenburg CE, et. al. (seven coauthors). 2015. State-level structural sexual stigma and HIV prevention in a national online sample of HIV-uninfected MSM in the United States. Official Journal of International AIDS Society. 29(7):837-45.

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Superscript: Fe³⁺

Authored for BIOL 291.00 Health Service and Biomedical Analysis, taught by Joan Slonczewski, 2016, Kenyon College.