Viral Diseases and Immunity

HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids containing high concentrations of the virus. Blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, and breast milk are all established transmission routes. Saliva, tears, and sweat are NOT transmission routes.

HIV specifically targets and destroys CD4+ T cells (helper T cells), which coordinate immune responses. It also infects macrophages and dendritic cells, which serve as reservoirs and transport the virus. All three cell types are crucial in HIV pathogenesis.

Direct contact with HIV-infected blood through open wounds, cuts, or mucous membranes is a documented transmission route. Healthcare workers can be exposed through needlestick injuries, and transmission can occur through blood-to-blood contact.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication taken after potential HIV exposure to prevent infection. It must be started within 72 hours of exposure, ideally within 24 hours. It is NOT prevention or prescription-related.

HIV tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to HIV infection, not the virus itself. RNA, DNA, and T-cell counts are not what standard antibody tests identify.

A CD4 count of 200 or below indicates significant immune system damage and is a criterion for AIDS diagnosis. At this stage, antiretroviral treatment is critical to prevent opportunistic infections.

Nevirapine is a key antiretroviral drug used in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs. It can be given as a single dose to the mother during labor and to the newborn after birth.

Oil-based lubricants can weaken and break down latex condoms, making them ineffective. Water-based or silicone-based lubricants are safe - latex and polyurethane condoms themselves are effective HIV prevention tools.

The window period is the time between initial HIV infection and when the virus becomes detectable by standard tests. During this time, a person may be infected but test negative.

HIV can be transmitted through contaminated equipment used for body piercing or tattooing if needles are not properly sterilized between clients. Blood-to-blood contact is a transmission route.

Contraceptive pills only prevent pregnancy, not HIV or other STIs. Condoms are still necessary for protection against sexually transmitted infections regardless of other birth control methods.

ART can be discontinued in specific circumstances such as severe side effects, treatment failure, or under medical supervision for structured treatment interruptions. However, this is not common practice and requires careful monitoring.

Pre-test counseling ensures informed consent and prepares patients for potential outcomes, while post-test counseling provides psychological support and connects patients to care regardless of the test result. Both are essential components of ethical HIV testing protocols.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is indeed classified as a pandemic because it has spread worldwide across multiple continents and affected millions of people. The term pandemic refers to the global spread of a disease, not its severity. AIDS has caused millions of deaths globally since its emergence, making the 'True' option correct.