HIV occurs in women. The first symptoms of HIV in women and men in the early stages. Acute stage: signs of AIDS, photo

What flower is called iris? Probably many people ask this question after hearing the unusually affectionate name of the plant. Iris is a flower widespread on all continents and better known as “iris”.

They began to call it this way in honor of the radiant and beautiful goddess Iris, who descended along a multi-colored rainbow to bring people news from the formidable gods.

Flower from the past: iris

In ancient times, what flower was an exquisite decoration for the estates of the pharaohs? What flower is depicted in the 4,000 year old fresco? Which flower got its name meaning "rainbow"? light hand Greek physician Hippocrates? The most delicious jam is prepared from the petals of which flower in Armenia and Azerbaijan?

Iris (aka iris). Flower (photo), medicinal properties which were highly appreciated traditional medicine and were used for snake bites, cough relief and stomach upsets. Extracts from the root of the plant are used in winemaking, the perfume industry and the preparation of some confectionery products. In Ancient Egypt, fabric paints were made from irises.

What flower is called iris?

The iris is considered a symbolic flower. In Japan they make it from magic amulets for boys, instilling courage and protecting against diseases. The ancient story tells of a certain girl whom the Japanese believed cursed by the gods behind light color hair. Walking one day all alone, the girl came across amazing flower and, deciding not to part with such beauty, she dug it up and took it with her. At home I prepared a decoction from it and used it to wash my hair.

The hair took on a golden hue. Fellow villagers, seeing such a dramatic change, believed that God’s grace had descended on the girl, so the sun gilded her head. Since then, the iris in Japan began to be considered a messenger of the gods and occupied worthy place in the imperial garden. Its leaves are even used in the preparation of some national dishes of the Land of the Rising Sun, and in the Middle Ages, officials wore wigs made from iris leaves. What flower is another name for iris? What does killer whale look like? What is another name for the iris flower? Based on the above, it becomes quite clear that among the common people such affectionate nickname called iris.

External characteristics

Today, iris is a flower that is actively used in landscape design. Thanks to its amazing attractiveness, incredible variety of varieties and ease of care, it has gained great popularity among gardeners. Iris flowers are characterized by a variety of colors: white, black, yellow. Breeding science has achieved not only elegance of forms and a more pronounced aroma, but also the combination of two or more shades in one flower. Iris stems are tall (up to 150 cm), erect peduncles, branched in the upper part. Each of them has from 7 to 9 large flowers, single or combined in inflorescences. The flowers do not have petals or sepals; they are a tubular perianth divided into 6 bent lobes: three fused inner lobes form a kind of tube, the three outer ones are slightly turned downwards and most often colored in a different tone. The inflorescence usually blooms with 2-3 buds. The maximum lifespan of one flower is 5 days.

The rhizomes are superficial, fleshy, rapidly growing, with cord- or thread-like fibrous roots.

They consist of separate links, each of which represents an annual increase with the necessary supply of substances required for the development of all parts of the plant: leaves, buds, peduncles and replacement lateral buds. The rhizomes contain valuable oil; species with the largest amount are used in the production of perfumes. The leaves are xiphoid, fleshy, flat, with a waxy coating; usually collected in fan-shaped bunches.

The fruit is a three-lobed capsule. The lifespan of this exquisite, unpretentious plant is 10-13 years, although the roots die off annually.

Growing conditions

Iris is a flower that prefers to grow in well-lit areas and is tolerant of shade. The most optimal are slightly acidic and neutral soils. Only some types of irises take root on wet lands (for example, Kaempfer's iris and Bearded varieties love loose soil, do not tolerate constant dampness and grow well on slopes. It is recommended to plant irises at a distance of at least half a meter from each other; dwarf varieties can be placed closer.

Growing irises does not require large amounts of fertilizer or abundant watering; Almost all varieties are frost-resistant. The plants appear in all their glory starting in mid-May. The flowering period ends in July. With the correct selection of varieties and their combination, iris will provide aesthetic pleasure for 2 months.

Features of care

One of the factors of quality care is loosening the soil, which is necessary to ensure access of oxygen to the roots. This operation It must be done very carefully so as not to damage the roots located close to the surface. It is advisable to feed the iris with mineral preparations in the spring, during the period of setting buds and in August, before laying the flower buds of next year. Nitrogen can be added to the first fertilizing, followed by phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. The addition of fresh organic matter by gardeners is not recommended.

Reproduction

The most in a simple way reproduction is the division of the rhizome, which is best done at the end of flowering or in early September, when young rhizomes have already formed.

It's not worth the wait late autumn, since the plant must have time to take root before the soil freezes. When dividing in spring, you will have to admire the blooming flowers only in next year. For this propagation method, you should choose a well-developed bush. After division, each part should have a piece of rhizome and leaves. The sections need to be dried and powdered with crushed charcoal to avoid rotting. Before planting, the underground part should be dipped in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for about a quarter of an hour, and the leaves should be cut in half.

New varieties are bred by seed, but in this case the plants bloom in the 2-3rd year.

Iris in landscape design

Irises, characterized by a superficial location of the rhizome, are excellent neighbors for any shrubs with deep roots: spirea, roses, deutzia rough, coniferous plants, easily get along with peonies.

Low-growing varieties look original as a border along paths, as well as in compositions among large stones. Irises are attractive in group plantings, go well with annual plants, and tall varieties are often used to frame ponds. For shallow waters, marsh irises are most suitable, and Japanese and Siberian representatives can be planted along the banks. Irises look impressive in iridariums - flower beds intended exclusively for their cultivation.

Diseases and pests

Irises are quite resistant to pests and diseases. They can be affected by rhizome rot if they grow in constantly wet soils. It is not difficult to cure a plant: just dig it up, cut off the rot, disinfect it in potassium permanganate or a special anti-rot preparation and plant it in dry soil.

Among garden pests, iris can be affected by gladiolus thrips or aphids. Infected plants look depressed and stop blooming. You can get rid of the pest by using the drug “Confidor” according to the instructions.

What flower has the second name “killer whale”? The above information fully explains the this issue, and also talks about the features of growing and caring for such an attractive and unpretentious plant.

The body's immune defense is a reliable barrier that protects it from pathogens.

However, there is a virus that can break through this system or destroy it completely.

One of these is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In order to start therapy on time, it is important to know what the signs of HIV are in women early stages. Timely antiretroviral therapy reduces the risk of developing the extreme stage of infection - AIDS - hundreds of times and prolongs the patient's life to 70 - 80 years.

HIV disease occurs as a result of human infection with an immunodeficiency virus or, in other words, a retrovirus. The virus destroys immune cells, causing the body to lose the ability to protect itself from pathogenic microorganisms. HIV is classified into types (HPV-1 and HPV-2), groups and subtypes.

For a long time, the disease has no clear distinctive features that would directly indicate HIV infection. This can lead to the patient finding out about the infection too late, when the immune defense is so damaged that it can no longer be restored.

It does not survive in the external environment, so HIV cannot be transmitted through the air, through touch, household objects, etc. The only method of transmission is the exchange of body fluids between people. Infection occurs through blood, semen, breast milk, pre-seminal fluid, and vaginal secretions.

Routes of infection can be:

• injection syringes;
• tools used to make tattoos or piercings;
• any type of unprotected sex;
• breast-feeding;
• contact of infected fluid with open wounds;
• blood transfusion.

The virus cannot penetrate the skin, since it does not have cells into which it can invade. Insect bites, saliva or tears are also not routes of infection. Any person is afraid of a terrible virus. Representatives of the fair sex show particular concern, as they are more emotional than men.

Therefore, many of them are interested in the question of how to recognize signs of HIV in women in the early stages. And this is correct, because timely therapy helps preserve immune cells by blocking the multiplication of the virus.

It is extremely difficult to detect HIV disease in its early stages. This is due to the fact that viruses destroy immune cells, the death of which does not cause the usual symptoms: pain, swelling or fever. However, there are distinctive signs, upon noticing which, a woman should get tested for HIV.

1. Symptoms that are characteristic of a cold: cough, sore throat and other manifestations may indicate activation of the retrovirus.
2. Severe fatigue, which does not go away even after proper rest, can accompany many illnesses. However, it is worth noting this symptom and, if possible, undergoing testing to exclude HIV disease.
3. Frequent dyspeptic symptoms can be a sign of HIV in women in the early stages. Pay attention to daily bowel movements, nausea or vomiting.
4. As a result of the destructive activity of the retrovirus, an increase in lymph nodes is observed. The cervical lymph nodes change especially strongly, and in the groin and armpits this symptom is less pronounced.
5. If ulcers on the genitals or in the mouth are added to the listed symptoms, then you should be more seriously wary.

HIV can manifest itself more clearly by increased body temperature, cramping pain, increased sweating, lack of appetite, etc. All of these symptoms are similar to other viral infections caused by rotavirus, influenza virus or enterovirus. If such signs appear unexpectedly and also disappear, then it is better not to neglect checking your blood for HIV.

Distinctive signs of HIV that are observed in women in the early stages

The main symptoms of the presence of a retrovirus in the body are characteristic of any person, regardless of gender.

However, there are signs that can only be found in women, in particular:

• sudden weight loss (in later stages - anorexia);
• the appearance of ulcers and warts on the genitals;
• heavy sweating;
• pathological changes in the cervix;
• painful menstruation;
• frequent genitourinary infections.

The combination of several signs, for example, enlarged lymph nodes, pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation, heavy vaginal discharge, frequent diarrhea and loss of energy is a serious reason to be tested for HIV disease.

Symptoms of HIV in women in the early stages of the disease

The symptoms of the disease directly depend on the state of the person’s immune system at the time of infection.

The virus can remain latent for several years, but more often it becomes active after one or two months. Symptoms of HIV in women depend on the stage of the disease.

The early stages are divided into two periods, during which time the infection can still be treated and the symptoms are minor.

At the third stage of disease development, symptoms manifest themselves more intensely. The late stage is characterized by the complete destruction of immune defense and the addition of many secondary infections.

Stages of development of the immunodeficiency virus:

1. The period of incubation maturation of the virus. The duration of this stage of the disease varies from one month to one year. At this time, the virus actively spreads throughout the body, but does not show activity against immune cells.
2. Primary stage. The beginning of this period is preceded by the appearance of antibodies to HIV. This stage takes from seven to ten years. The virus attacks immune cells, which is manifested by enlarged lymph nodes, an increase in infectious diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and other symptoms.
3. Progressive stage. During this period, the immune system is already in a phase of exhaustion. The number of associated bacterial and viral infections increases. At an advanced stage, cancer can be detected.
4. Immunodeficiency syndrome. The period is characterized by extensive damage to all organs. Symptoms of AIDS can be seen even in photographs, since the entire skin is covered with spots and rashes, and the mucous membranes are covered with a white coating. No cure for AIDS has yet been found. Due to the fact that the immune system is completely destroyed, the person quickly dies.

Symptoms of HIV in women in the early stages during the development of the virus may not manifest themselves. If the immune system is weakened, symptoms similar to a cold occur.

An infected person may suffer from diarrhea, sore throat accompanied by swelling of the tonsils, and chills. Various rashes are possible on the skin. Such phenomena are short-term in nature, and the patient often confuses them with a common cold. At the early stage of the second period, the symptoms of HIV in women may also be unclear.

The disease may be accompanied by the following phenomena:

• periodic rise in temperature in the absence of other signs of disease;
• severe weakness, apathy or depression;
• frequent colds;
• violation of movement coordination;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• frequent exacerbations of herpes;
• loss of body weight;
• increased sweating;
• systematic disturbance of stool;
• muscle and joint pain;
• constant dry cough.

Symptoms of HIV in women early in the second stage of the disease often concern reproductive system. If at this time a woman becomes infected with sexually transmitted infections, they are difficult to cure. The same applies to inflammatory organ diseases genitourinary system. In women, HIV can cause hormonal imbalances.

The menstrual cycle becomes unstable, accompanied by pain, and heavy bleeding is possible. After ten years of virus activity, the immune system weakens so much that various infections can be present in a woman’s body at the same time: fungal, bacterial, viral and others.

The diseases are practically not cured, which characterizes the onset of the development of AIDS. Diagnosing HIV disease in the early stages is very important. The state of a person’s immune system will depend on this, since after the drugs are prescribed, viruses will stop actively multiplying and destroying immune cells. In Russia HIV infection diagnosed using ELISA tests or IB (immune blotting).

Additionally, other methods can be used - rapid tests and PCR. It is difficult to diagnose the infection in the early stages.

If a doctor suspects that a woman may have retroviruses in her body, then even if the test result is negative, he can register her. The woman needs to visit a doctor and have her blood tested again.

• Mandatory tests: ELISA test systems.
• The first diagnosis is performed by a screening test (ELISA). For this purpose, blood is taken from a vein (5 ml) from the patient. Blood sampling is carried out in the morning, on an empty stomach. This test detects antibodies to the virus, but does not determine the presence of the viral agent itself. Since the incubation period of viruses varies (from 2 to 6 weeks), the test may not reveal anything soon after infection. Therefore, it is recommended to take it no earlier than 3 weeks after the suspected infection. Immune blotting.

This test is performed only after a positive screening test result. To carry it out, blood is also taken from a vein, then serum with antibodies to HIV is separated from the resulting material and the liquid is applied to a special strip. If antibodies bind to antigens that were previously placed on the strip, then the virus is clearly present in the body. The information security result is 100% correct.

Treatment of HIV disease A patient with HIV infection is prescribed antiretroviral therapy. Modern drugs

stop the processes of suppression of the immune system by blocking the introduction of virions into cells, preventing them from multiplying. The doctor may prescribe one of the drugs: Zidovudine, Didanosine or Nevirapine. There are other analogues of antiretroviral drugs. Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a physician, since viral agents are able to adapt to different chemicals

and changes in treatment regimen may be required. In addition, such medications have serious side effects, so you should not purchase HIV medications on your own. Once prescribed medication, a person must take the pills for the rest of his life. Russia has a program to provide those in need with such medicines, but there are not always enough of them. Therefore, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will need to buy medicines. In addition to basic therapy, a woman should accessible ways

strengthen the immune system. Eat right, treat diseases in a timely manner, take vitamins and lead an active lifestyle.

The progressive stage of HIV infection turns into AIDS. Some people confuse these two concepts. HIV is a virus that kills cells of the immune system and causes AIDS - acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This diagnosis is made when a person develops opportunistic diseases, that is, those with which the immune system healthy person easily copes independently.

AIDS stands for as follows:

• syndrome - a number of symptoms characterizing any pathological condition;
• acquired - indicates that the person was infected with an infection from the outside;
• immune - related to human immunity;
• Deficiency means lack, lack of immune cells.

Symptoms of AIDS in women in the early stages are already acute, since most of the immune cells have died, and the rest cannot cope with numerous infections. Women often suffer from colds, inflammatory, infectious and fungal diseases.

They develop diseases that did not exist during the normal functioning of the body’s defense system. From the moment HIV infection progresses to the stage of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a woman’s life expectancy is a maximum of four years.

The symptoms of AIDS in women in the early stages are multiple, in particular, she suffers from:

• fungal diseases of the mucous membranes (candidiasis);
• syndrome chronic fatigue and prolonged depression;
• persistent diarrhea;
• mental disorders;
• weight loss, anorexia;
• papillomas and warts on the genitals;
• extensive damage to the mucous membranes by the herpes virus;
• infectious and inflammatory diseases that develop in different organs;
• oncological diseases.

There are a number of diseases that most often accompany AIDS. These are candidiasis, seborrheic dermatitis, Kaposi's sarcoma and herpes zoster.

• Candidiasis. Fungi affect any mucous membrane. With AIDS, traces of candida activity are especially noticeable in the woman’s mouth and lips.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. Affects all skin of a woman. The skin is blotchy and flaky.
• Kaposi's sarcoma. AIDS is more common than other skin diseases. With this disease, pink spots appear on the skin, which over time change color to brown and purple.
• Shingles. The disease can be inherited or occur with a significant decrease in immunity, that is, with AIDS. With this disease, rashes on the skin cause pain.

​The doctor explains how the first symptoms appear (video)

Some diseases, which include the human immunodeficiency virus, are particularly insidious.

In order to prevent the development of this dangerous disease, it is important to pay attention to HIV symptoms in women and be able to recognize them in a timely manner. U different women the first signs of pathology appear at various points during its course, therefore the approach to diagnosing and treating HIV infection should be carried out professionally and individually.

The treacherous nature of the infection lies in the fact that HIV in its early stages either proceeds latently (that is, with virtually no initial symptoms) or is mistaken for another disease with similar symptoms. According to some statistics, in the female population, signs of HIV appear more clearly, and therefore diagnosing the disease is noticeably easier. Such consolation may be weak, but it certainly inspires clear hope for a more favorable outcome.

How can you get infected?

Surely there is not a single person on the entire planet who would like to become a patient in the HIV department. Therefore, it is very important to take care of yourself, your health, and pay attention to various abnormal symptoms that resemble the first signs of HIV development. The immunodeficiency virus is found primarily in human blood, a man's sperm, a woman's vaginal secretions, and her breast milk. From this we can conclude that HIV infection is transmitted:

1. Sexually, people who frequently change sexual partners and practice unprotected sex are in real danger;
2. Vertically - from an HIV-infected mother to her child during pregnancy and through breast milk;
3. Through blood – people who received transfusions are in the “risk zone” donor blood(she could be HIV-infected), drug addicts who inject drugs and use a common syringe for everyone.

HIV is not transmitted by everyday means through use general subjects, neither by airborne droplets, nor through hugs and handshakes, it is not transmitted by blood-sucking insects. Still, it is worth using individual hygiene products, leading a healthy lifestyle, choosing partners carefully and undergoing regular medical examinations. Do not try to analyze the first symptoms of HIV on your own, no matter what they seem to you.

Stages of HIV infection

During the course of the disease, the main stages of infection development are distinguished:

1. The incubation period lasts from one to three months, but sometimes lasts a year. During this period, the infection spreads throughout the body, gradually matures and, finally, multiplies to a certain amount that causes any manifestation. At this time, the pathogen does not affect the functions of the immune system.
2. The stage of the first signs of HIV - at this stage, antiviral antibodies begin to circulate in the blood of infected people, damaging and destroying immunocompetent cells, as a result of which many women, three months after infection, develop lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes, increased susceptibility to infectious pathologies, disruption of the digestive system). tract). Sometimes the duration of this stage lasts ten years. This stage is called the stage of acute HIV infection.
3. Hidden stage - despite the fact that the pathogen destroys the immune system, it triggers compensatory mechanisms to actively renew the composition of immune cells. There are no manifestations of HIV during this period and infection can only be detected by serological tests. Some patients observe isolated cases of enlarged lymph nodes. The duration of the stage is 3 years, rarely from one to two decades.
4. The stage of addition of other diseases - during this period, the human immune system has completely exhausted compensating resources and has lost the ability to fight the virus and protect itself from many pathogenic microorganisms. This period is characterized by symptoms of fungal, viral and bacterial diseases and malignant neoplasms.
5. AIDS is an immunodeficiency syndrome accompanied by extensive damage to organs and all systems of the human body: candidiasis, extensive fungal infection of the skin, pneumonia, ulcers on the oral mucosa.

AIDS carriers have broken down the body's protective functions and any diseases, even a small cold can cause serious complication. Patients often develop tuberculosis and pneumonia, which is why they die.

How long does it take for HIV to appear?

The first signs of HIV infection go unnoticed, but they are there. And they appear on average from 3 weeks to 3 months after infection. A longer period is also possible.

Signs of secondary manifestations of the disease in question may also appear only many years after contracting HIV infection, but manifestations may also occur as early as 4-6 months from the moment of infection.

Acute form

The first symptoms of HIV infection in women in the acute phase strongly resemble the symptoms of mononucleosis. They appear on average from 3 weeks to 3 months from the moment of infection.

Symptoms of HIV in women in the early stages include the following:

• inflammation palatine tonsils– patients complain of frequently recurring sore throats;
• inflammation of the lymph nodes - more often this process affects the cervical lymph nodes, but the examination does not reveal any obvious pathology;
• increase in body temperature to subfebrile levels - the cause of such hyperthermia cannot be established, but the indicators do not normalize even after consumption medicines with antipyretic effect;
• profuse sweating, general weakness and insomnia at night - these symptoms are often “written off” as chronic fatigue;
• headaches, loss of appetite, apathy towards others.

When examining a patient, a doctor can determine a slight increase in the size of the spleen and liver - a woman, by the way, may also complain of periodic pain in the right hypochondrium. The skin may be covered with a small rash - pale pink spots that do not have clear boundaries. Often there are complaints from infected people about long-term bowel dysfunction - they are tormented by diarrhea, which is not relieved even by specific medications and changes in diet.

During this course of the acute phase of HIV infection, increased numbers of lymphocytes/leukocytes and atypical mononuclear cells will be detected in the blood.

The above-described signs of the acute phase of the disease in question can be observed in 30% of patients. Another 30-40% of patients experience an acute phase in the development of serous meningitis or encephalitis - the symptoms will be radically different from those already described: nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature to critical levels, severe headache.

Often the first symptom of HIV infection in women is esophagitis - an inflammatory process in the esophagus, which is characterized by difficulty swallowing and pain in the chest area. Whatever the form of the acute phase of HIV infection, after 30-60 days all symptoms disappear - often the patient thinks that he has been completely cured, especially if this period of pathology was practically asymptomatic or their intensity was low (and this can also be ).

Asymptomatic stage

When the above symptoms disappear, then the asymptomatic period of HIV infection begins.

At this stage, a woman with HIV does not feel any signs or symptoms of HIV infection. HIV may not cause any symptoms for months or years, but it is present in the body and actively multiplies and begins to destroy the body's immune system by attacking important immune cells.

The virus remains active during this stage and can still be transmitted to others, so it is important to get tested for HIV infection promptly, even if you feel well.

Late signs of HIV infection in women

Without treatment, HIV infection takes months and years to progress to AIDS, depending on the extent to which the virus destroys the woman's immune system. This progression of HIV leads to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

This is the last stage of HIV infection and it means that the body's immune system is severely damaged, as a result of which it becomes more susceptible to other infections, the woman begins to suffer from diseases that she did not have with a healthy immune system. Women with AIDS often suffer from colds, flu, and fungal diseases.

Symptoms of a woman in the AIDS stage:

• constant diarrhea,
• nausea,
• vomit,
• rapid causeless weight loss,
• constant unreasonable fatigue,
• erosions or ulcers in the mouth,
• vaginal infections such as yeast infections (thrush, candidiasis) and bacterial vaginosis,
• inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs,
• periodic increase in temperature (fever),
• recurring chills,
• recurring night sweats,
• ragged breathing
• dry cough,
• persistent or prolonged enlargement of lymph nodes,
• memory loss, confusion, neurological disorders.

Additionally, in HIV-infected women the following are more common (than in HIV minus):

• thrush and other vaginal infections, bacterial vaginosis,
• diseases transmitted through intercourse: gonorrhea (gonorrhea), chlamydia, trichomoniasis,
• inflammation of the pelvic organs (cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), etc.),
• infectious inflammation of the reproductive organs (endometritis (inflammation of the uterine mucosa), vulvovaginitis (inflammation of the vagina and vulva), adnexitis (inflammation of the ovaries), etc.),
• menstrual irregularities (dysmenorrhea),
• human papillomavirus, which causes warts on the genitals and leads to cervical cancer.

Another difference from an HIV-infected man is that it is more difficult for an HIV-plus woman to notice spots or other changes on the genitals.

HIV diagnosis

Currently, a two-level approach is used in diagnosing HIV - indirect and direct tests. Indirect tests can detect specific antibodies to HIV in the patient’s blood, while direct tests help identify HIV itself and determine the degree of viral load in the body. In Russia, standard HIV diagnosis includes the following laboratory research methods:

• ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).
• Immunoblot (immune blotting).

The following techniques can also be used:

• Express ICA test (immunochromatography).
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction).

Diagnostic principles of laboratory tests and the degree of their reliability are given in the table below.

When conducting research, it is important to use ultra-precise equipment and correctly interpret test results. Otherwise, the diagnostic accuracy is reduced. At the same time, experts believe that it is most rational to conduct research in the following sequence.

1. First, express diagnostics based on the ICA method.
2. In case of a positive result, another blood test using the ELISA method.
3. Positive second result - further examination is carried out using ELISA or immunoblotting.
4. In exceptional cases, a more complex and expensive PCR method can be used to make a final diagnosis.

Express tests using the ICA method or ELISA screening, which involves a serological enzyme immunoassay of blood, are performed within 15-30 minutes. High speed of diagnosis is relevant in emergency cases, when planning urgent operations. But to make a final diagnosis, it is necessary to use the main diagnostic method - immunoblotting. If the results of ELISA and immunoblotting contradict each other, then it is possible to carry out reference diagnostics - analysis by two methods at once. PCR is used in exceptional cases, because This is the most expensive research method.

Favorable timing for HIV diagnosis

The fact of possible infection and poor health without visible reasons– two good reasons to contact specialists. But a negative antibody test result does not always mean that a person is not infected, as there is a “seronegative window” period (the time between infection and the appearance of antibodies) that is about three months. Therefore, it is better to repeat them 3 months after possible infection. If the answer is again negative, but your anxiety does not go away, and you are sure that you are infected with HIV, then the laboratory diagnosis must be repeated 6 months after the fact of infection.

As for feeling unwell, a combination of the following symptoms may be a reason to get tested for HIV:

• enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, groin, and armpits;
• fever;
• muscle pain or headaches;
• thrush and fungal infections, including oral candidiasis;
• inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth or pharynx;
• night sweats;
• aching joints;
• prolonged diarrhea;
• nausea, vomiting;
• a sharp decrease in body weight;
• skin rashes.

It is important to understand that from the moment when the first signs of HIV infection appear until the moment the disease enters the latent stage, very little time passes - about 3-6 weeks from the fact of infection. We must not lose sight of this period of time. Since you will live for the next 8-10 years, feel normal and not even suspect that you have HIV infection. Precious time will be lost.

What does an HIV-infected person look like?

For a very long period after infection, a person is no different from HIV-negative people. It is impossible to distinguish carriers of the virus before the first signs appear. But even with the onset of primary manifestations, it is impossible to say for sure that a person has HIV. For example, enlarged lymph nodes occur in dozens of other diseases. A rash on the body in the form of psoriasis, lichen, herpes, etc. can be an independent infection.

In later stages, patients often experience:

• fungal infections;
• weight loss;
• weakness;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• shortness of breath and/or cough;
• violation mental processes: forgetfulness, confusion, lack of coordination;
• herpetic rash.

Based on external signs, the doctor may suspect the presence of an infection. But a diagnosis cannot be made based on external signs alone. It is also impossible to accurately identify an infected person from a crowd, since all manifestations may relate to other diseases. In many cases, an HIV-positive person does not have any special characteristics.

HIV and pregnancy

1. All pregnant women undergo HIV testing in the first and second trimester. When positive analysis on HIV woman are sent for consultation to the AIDS center, where the test is repeated and an infectious disease specialist is consulted.
2. A child can become infected with HIV from the mother in several ways: in late pregnancy, while passing through birth canal, while breastfeeding.
3. Modern antiretroviral drugs that a woman takes during pregnancy minimize the risk of transmitting the virus to the child. All medications prescribed by a specialist at the center are dispensed at the pharmacy free of charge with a prescription.
4. Without treatment, every second child is born with HIV.
5. All children born to HIV-positive mothers or fathers are examined three times using PCR.

How to treat HIV?

An effective drug for a complete cure for this disease has not yet been created. However, there are many effective medications that reduce the viral load and improve the quality of life of patients with HIV. If the recommendations for taking them are strictly followed, an increase in CD4 cells is observed and a minimum HIV titer is recorded with the most sensitive diagnostic methods.

This result is easy to achieve with developed self-discipline of the patient: timely and continuous use of medications, compliance with the correct dosage.

Main directions of therapy:

• Preserving the quality of life of HIV-infected people;
• Prevention and temporary delay of conditions that threaten the patient’s life;
• Achieving remission with HAART and prevention of secondary infections;
• Practical and psychological support for patients;
• Providing free medicines.

Principles for prescribing HAART according to disease stages:

• At the first stage, no treatment is carried out; in case of contact with HIV, chemoprophylaxis is carried out;
• In the second stage, treatment is carried out depending on the existing level of CD4 lymphocytes;
• At the third stage, HAART is prescribed if the patient actively wishes or if the RNA level exceeds 10 thousand copies and if the CD4 lymphocyte level is less than 200 CD4/mm3;
• At the fourth stage, treatment is prescribed when the RNA level is more than 100 thousand copies and the CD4 lymphocyte level is less than 200 CD4/mm3;
• The fifth stage is always accompanied by treatment.

Current HIV treatment standards may change based on the results latest research, which indicate that early initiation of HAART leads to better results.

Currently, therapy includes a combination of the following groups of drugs:

• HIV protease inhibitors,
• Nucleoside HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors,
• Non-nucleoside HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

There is evidence of the development of a new drug for the treatment of HIV infection, Quad, which is more effective and has fewer side effects. The drug is taken once a day and replaces several medications.

Forecast

An infected woman can live more than 20 years with the immunodeficiency virus. The timing is different for each woman. Specialists try to help at any stage of the disease. They help determine how long it takes for HIV to manifest itself.

Between the first and fifth stages there are many options for the development of various secondary diseases. They can be asymptomatic or linger at one stage. For a long time Doctors diagnose this disease, which still kills its carrier.

The progression of the virus depends on the body’s immunity. Doctors only help slow down the development of the disease.

Prevention

To reduce the likelihood of contracting HIV infection, women should carefully prepare for sexual intercourse. Reliable contraception will help with this. However, latex condoms will not provide complete protection.

The use of syringes or other medical equipment should only be handled sterilely. It is better to use disposable syringes.

In some cases, if a woman is about to conceive, the sperm should be tested for HIV infection. In any case, doctors should advise her about what the risk may be if she tests positive for the virus.

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in men and women develops against the background of HIV infection and is characterized by a sharp drop in the number of CD4 lymphocytes, the appearance of many opportunistic infections, malignant neoplasms and neurological syndromes. In 70 - 80% of cases, the period from the moment of infection to the stage of a full picture of the disease ranges from 7 to 14 years. Without antiretroviral therapy, the patient dies within a year from the onset of opportunistic diseases. Antiretroviral therapy prolongs the patient's life for many years.

Rice. 1. Photos of AIDS patients.

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection.

Signs and symptoms of AIDS in men and women in transition

Secondary diseases begin to develop from the end of the primary manifestations of HIV infection - the stage of generalized lymphadenopathy and is considered the early stage of AIDS. This phase corresponds to stage IIIA of HIV infection according to V.I. Pokrovsky and is transitional to the stage of secondary diseases - the AIDS-associated complex.

• During this period, there is an increase in gammaglobulins, mainly due to IgG, a decrease in the phagocytic activity of leukocytes, and the number of CD4 lymphocytes drops below 500 per 1 μl.
• The fever is intermittent. Diarrhea, weakness, night sweats, fast fatiguability and weight loss of up to 10% are the main symptoms of AIDS during this period. Patients in this phase of the disease are active.
• There are AIDS-marker infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by fungi of the genus Candida, bacterial and viral infections upper respiratory tract are recurrent in nature. There is no significant spread of infections yet. The resulting diseases in men and women proceed without complications. Malignant tumors are not yet developing. Some clinicians consider this phase of HIV infection to be the prodrome of AIDS.

Rice. 2. Widespread oral candidiasis may be the first sign of AIDS.

Rice. 3. Recurrent genital herpes is often the first sign of AIDS in women.

Rice. 4. Recurrent genital herpes is often the first sign of AIDS in men.

Rice. 5. Shingles in a recurrent form (occurring periodically over the past 5 years) is often the first sign of AIDS.

Rice. 6. Papillomavirus is the cause of warts in HIV patients in the early stages of AIDS.

Rice. 7. Persistent candidiasis (thrush) of the genital organs is an early sign of AIDS in men.

Rice. 8. Thrush in women, which has a recurrent course, indicates immunodeficiency and is an early sign of AIDS.

Period of development of the AIDS-associated complex in men and women

During this period of the disease, signs of increasing viral intoxication are observed, and diseases develop that are a manifestation of secondary immunodeficiency induced by HIV infection - the AIDS-associated complex. This phase corresponds to stage IIIB of HIV infection according to V.I. Pokrovsky and is intermediate.

Laboratory indicators. During this period, the level of CD4 lymphocytes decreases from 500 to 200 per 1 μl, the CD4/CD8 ratio and blast transformation reaction rates decrease. Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia increase. The level of immune complexes circulating in the blood continues to increase.

Fever. The fever has a long-term (more than 1 month) course, diarrhea is more persistent, profuse night sweats, the patient’s weight loss is more than 10%, symptoms of intoxication are more pronounced, enlargement of the lymph nodes is generalized, symptoms of damage to the nervous system (peripheral neuropathy) and internal organs (kidney damage with developing renal failure and high proteinuria).

Rice. 9. Herpetic infection has a protracted course and widespread nature. Large herpetic ulcers and herpetic keratitis, which end in blindness), indicate a sharp suppression of the immune system and are often signs of AIDS in both men and women.

Rice. 10. Recurrent herpes of the facial skin in men and women with AIDS.

Rice. 11. Herpes zoster in AIDS patients is widespread, has a protracted relapsing course and is resistant to therapy.

Rice. 12. The photo shows rare forms of herpes zoster - genital herpes. Often a sign of developing immunodeficiency syndrome.

Rice. 13. Severe form of oral candidiasis. The disease develops against a background of sharply reduced immunity. Often a sign of AIDS.

Rice. 14. Severe form of genital candidiasis in women. The disease often develops with AIDS.

Rice. 15. Esophageal candidiasis is an AIDS-marker disease.

Rice. 16. “Hairy leukoplakia” occurs mainly in patients with AIDS. It is caused by herpes virus type 4 (Epstein-Barr).

Rice. 17. A sign of AIDS in men is genital warts. The cause is human papillomavirus types 6 and 11.

Rice. 18. Genital warts are a sign of AIDS in women.

Rice. 19. Genital condylomas of the anogenital area are often recorded in AIDS. They belong to the group of sexually transmitted infections. The more sexual partners, the higher the risk of developing the disease. With low immunity, condylomas grow to enormous sizes and form conglomerates.

Rice. 20. Cervical dysplasia is a common sign of developing immunodeficiency syndrome. Its cause is the human papillomavirus. Contributes to the spread of infection indiscriminately sex life. In more than half of the cases, cancerous degeneration is noted. In women with AIDS, this occurs within 5 to 10 years. With a normal immune system - for 15 - 20 years.

Rice. 21. Kaposi's sarcoma is an AIDS marker disease. In the early stages of AIDS, the disease is localized.

Signs and symptoms of AIDS in men and women during the height of the disease

The full picture of AIDS (late stage of the disease) is characterized by profound suppression of the immune system, which leads to the development of opportunistic diseases that are severe and long-lasting, showing resistance to therapy and life threatening sick. This stage of AIDS corresponds to the IIIB stage of HIV infection according to V.I. Pokrovsky. The number of CD4 lymphocytes is recorded in the range from 50 to 200 in 1 μl.

Patients develop exhaustion syndrome (asthenovegetative syndrome), there is prolonged fever and significant loss of body weight (HIV dystrophy), most of the time they are in bed. In 100% of cases, there is a generalized enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Depending on the type and location of the infectious process in men and women, several clinical forms of the disease are distinguished:

• in 84% of cases there is damage to the skin and mucous membranes;
• in 60% of cases of the disease there is damage to the lungs (50% of all pulmonary lesions are Pneumocystis pneumonia);
• the gastrointestinal tract is affected;
• in 30% of cases of the disease, damage to the central nervous system is observed: the patient’s psyche is disturbed (HIV encephalopathy develops - “HIV/AIDS dementia”), toxoplasmosis of the central nervous system, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Neurological pathology manifests itself in the form of mononeuritis, damage to the cranial and peripheral nerves, myelopathy develops;
• oncopathology develops, 25% of which is Kaposi's sarcoma;
• Some patients develop sepsis;
• the hormonal system in women changes: hypogonadism develops, the menstrual cycle is disrupted;
• Some men and women develop endocrine pathology: symptoms of hypo- or hyperthyroidism appear, damage to the adrenal glands leads to adrenal insufficiency.

Opportunistic infections with HIV become generalized, often their symptoms are superimposed on oncological processes or other infectious diseases.

During the height of the disease, the number of CD4 lymphocytes decreases significantly and ranges from 200 to 50 per 1 μl. The following hematological changes are noted: anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. In the blood serum, a decrease in the level of total protein and an increase in serum globulins are recorded, mainly due to the g-globulin fraction.

Rice. 22. Severe form of seborrheic dermatitis in AIDS.

Rice. 23. Hemorrhagic form of herpes in women and men is a common sign of AIDS during the height of the disease.

Rice. 24. Herpetic proctitis in a man. The disease often develops in AIDS patients. The infection spreads through unconventional sex. Swelling, rash and painful erythema in the perianal area are the main signs of the disease.

Rice. 25. Kaposi's sarcoma (oncopathology) is registered at the height of AIDS, is widespread and has a progressive course. Included in the group of AIDS-associated diseases.

Rice. 26. Non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas develop in the AIDS stage and are registered in 46% of cases in HIV patients. The disease occurs with damage to the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, liver and bone marrow.

Rice. 27. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of Burkitt in men. The disease is a symptom of AIDS. The tumor develops from B-lymphocytes and quickly becomes malignant. It occurs with symptoms of intoxication, local itching, swelling of the jaw and neck, intestinal obstruction and bleeding.

Rice. 28. At the height of AIDS, diseases caused by human papillomaviruses are registered high degree malignancy. The photo shows a giant Buschke-Levenshtein condyloma acuminata. Located on the genitals, anorectal and groin areas. Often becomes malignant.

Infectious diseases in men and women that develop with AIDS

AIDS-associated diseases in men and women develop at a certain stage of development, when the level of the number of CD4 lymphocytes decreases to 200 - 500 per 1 μl. and below. As a rule, this group includes infectious and oncological diseases.

The development of opportunistic diseases indicates sharp decline immunity. They are registered both in AIDS and in other immunodeficiency conditions, acquire a severe course and are life-threatening for patients.

Main types of superinfection

Bacterial infections

Extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis. Atypical disseminated mycobacteriosis. Salmonella recurrent non-typhoid septicemia. Cerebral toxoplasmosis. Bartonellosis (a bacterial disease common in Peru, Colombia and Ecuador).

Bacterial pneumonia, caused by streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Haemophilus influenzae. Bacillary angiomatosis.

Fungal infections

Candidiasis of the bronchi, trachea, lungs and esophagus.

Pneumocystosis (Pneumocystis pneumonia), cryptosporidiosis and isosporiasis, occurring with diarrhea lasting more than 1 month. Cerebral toxoplasmosis. Cyclosporosis. Microsporosis. Visceral leishmaniasis. Blastomycosis. Strongyloidiasis. Scabies (including Norwegian).

Viral infections

1. Infections caused by herpes viruses: herpes simplex and herpes zoster in a common form, herpetic bronchitis, pneumonia, esophagitis. Damage to the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs lasting more than 1 month. . Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphomas (primary central nervous system, Burkitt, diffuse large B cell) in persons under 60 years of age.
2. Infections caused by human papillomaviruses: common warts, flat and genital warts, rectal cancer and invasive cervical cancer, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
3. A viral infection caused by a member of the smallpox virus family ().

   

   Rice. 31. Bacillary angiomatosis develops when the number of CD4 lymphocytes is below 200 in 1 μl. The disease occurs most often in HIV patients. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella.

   

   Rice. 32. Highly malignant human papillomavirus is the cause of the development of invasive cervical cancer in women, which is often observed in the later stages of AIDS.

   

   Rice. 33. When the number of CD4 lymphocytes decreases below 50 per 1 μl, cytomegalovirus retinitis develops.

   Signs and symptoms of end-stage AIDS in men and women

   When the number of CD4 lymphocytes is 50 or less in 1 μl, the transition of AIDS to the terminal stage is stated, when the disease takes an uncontrollable course and the death of the patient is expected in the near future. Sick in this period exhausted, lost faith in recovery.

   In the preterminal stage, profound immunodeficiency is noted, which leads to the most severe course of opportunistic infections. An atypical form of tuberculosis comes to the fore, cryptococcal meningitis and cytomegalovirus retinitis, widespread aspergillosis, leukoencephalitis multiforme, disseminated histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis and bartonellosis develop. The developed pathology leads to the development of asthenic syndrome and AIDS dementia.

   Complete lack of appetite, diarrhea resulting from the development of malabsorption syndrome, leads to significant weight loss and complete exhaustion of the body.

   In the terminal stage, cachexia reaches critical values. Due to constant fever and severe intoxication syndrome, the patient spends almost all his time in bed. The disease continuously progresses and ends in the death of the patient.

   

   Rice. 34. Patients in the preterminal and terminal stages of AIDS.

   

   Rice. 35. The death of a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome occurs as a result of the progression of opportunistic infections, neoplasms and damage to the central nervous system.

   How long do people live with AIDS?

   In 70 - 80% of cases, symptoms of AIDS in men and women develop on average 10 years after infection with human immunodeficiency viruses. In 20 - 30% of infected people, AIDS manifests itself in the first 3 - 5 years of the disease. In 20% of patients, AIDS occurs in a mild form. About 50% of patients who receive full antiretroviral therapy live to 20 years or more. Without specific treatment, the death of the patient occurs 1 year after the development of the period of opportunistic infections. HIV infection occurs rapidly and rapidly in children.