The AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is an infectious disease of unknown origin caused by HIV (HIV). This is in the group of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Never before has the world of science been faced with an epidemic disease in which the primary disease was the lethal attack of the victim's immune system. As this system is null or deficient, then the secondary condition arises, which is an opportunistic disease such as pneumonia, meningitis, intestinal infections, skin cancer, diarrhea, etc.
The HIV virus destroys T-helper lymphocytes in the body, whose function is to stimulate the immune response. That is why it is said that AIDS does not directly kill its victims, but as the population of T-helper lymphocytes decreases, the patient is more and more susceptible to other diseases, because there is no protection of the body from infections or invading microorganisms.
Many of the infections, both common and rare, that occur due to loss of immunity can be successfully treated. However, most patients progressively worsen with increasing weight loss and weakness, eventually dying from successive infections.
HIV is transmitted by sexual contact between heterosexuals, homosexuals, and bisexuals through the direct exchange of vaginal fluids or semen; contact with contaminated blood, and prenatal transmission, when an HIV-positive mother transmits it to her child during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding.
There are treatments that attenuate but do not cure AIDS, they are aimed at fighting the virus, infections and secondary cancers. Currently working on the development of vaccines, there is a drug called AZT (azidothymidine), which inhibits viral reproduction, although it is very toxic and frequently causes anemia and granulocytopenia, this can prolong the life of the patient for a few months and even years.
As a prevention of this deadly disease, the use of a condom or a condom is used, the homosexual, heterosexual and bisexual population should avoid having sex with many people as well as anal intercourse, not sharing the use of syringes or needles and avoiding their reuse, and Finally, and importantly, carry out information and education campaigns on AIDS through the media.
