Pathogenic microorganisms and infectious diseases
Pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungus, propagate infectious diseases. They can spread from one person to another either directly or indirectly. The HIV/AIDS infection, which is primarily spread through sexual contact with infected people, is one of the infectious diseases that are of major concern nowadays. Contact with infected blood from an HIV-positive person can also transfer it. Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, can cause AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, if it is not treated. According to HIV | Center for Infectious Disease Research (2017), the HIV virus destroys the CD4 cells, which are for protecting the body against infections, reducing the body immune system. Currently, there is no cure for Aids but control measures such as use of condoms and antiretroviral drugs.
The origin and spread of the HIV virus
The HIV virus originated from a chimpanzee that lived in West Africa since people were exposed to their blood as they hunted them for food. According to studies, the virus may have been transmitted from apes to human beings as early as the 1800s. It then kept on spreading in Africa and by the mid 1970s; it was reported in the United States (Infectious diseases, 2017). The disease is not new since it has been spreading all over the world and researchers are struggling to find a vaccine.
Populations affected and the global impact of HIV/AIDS
The populations that are affected most include women, heterosexual men, hemophiliacs, people who inject drugs, and children. For instance, children acquire it from their mothers during birth or while breastfeeding. African Americans and Latinos are also at a great risk of infection compared to the white Americans as studies show. The disease is not new since it existed in the 1800s although it has been spreading in the world with new infections recorded every year in various countries (Infectious diseases, 2017). It presents a significant problem for the human population in the globe since statistics show that new infections are recorded every year in various nations for different ages.
Symptoms and diagnosis of HIV infection
HIV manifests several symptoms and one may not tell whether he or she has the disease without taking tests. Knowing one's status is a good idea since it helps in making health decisions and prolonging life. Some of the symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as fever, night sweats, chills, rash, muscle pain, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, mouth ulcers, fever, tiredness, sores or the anus, mouth, and genitals, pneumonia, diarrhea, rapid weight loss, and memory loss among others (HIV/AIDS Basics, 2017). Some of these symptoms may be confused for other illnesses and the only way to diagnose HIV state is through testing.
Current research and efforts in managing HIV/AIDS
Currently, there exists no vaccine for HIV infection prevention or treatment but scientists are working in the development of one. For instance, in 2016, a clinical trial known as HVTN072 and supported by NIH was launched to test a vaccine that would prevent HIV infection in adults in South Africa (HIV/AIDS Basics, 2017). HIV is a major cause of death globally with the highest populations being the middle aged. It has also received huge funding from various organizations especially for the purchase of ARVs to prolong the lives of those infected by the virus. Infection rates are high in developing nations due to poverty levels and the death rates among the poor people is also high.
References
HIV | Center for Infectious Disease Research. (2017). Cidresearch.org. Retrieved 6 January 2017, from http://cidresearch.org/blog/tag/hiv
HIV/AIDS Basics. (2017). Aids.gov. Retrieved 6 January 2017, from https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/
Infectious diseases. (2017). World Health Organization. Retrieved 6 January 2017, from http://www.who.int/topics/infectious_diseases/en/
