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A sexually transmitted infection (STI), also referred to as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and the older term venereal disease (VD), is an infection that is spread by sexual activity, especially vaginal intercourse, anal sex, oral sex, or sometimes manual sex.
In most cases, HIV is a sexually transmitted infection and occurs by contact with or transfer of blood, pre-ejaculate, semen, and vaginal fluids. [5] [6] Non-sexual transmission can occur from an infected mother to her infant during pregnancy, during childbirth by exposure to her blood or vaginal fluid, and through breast milk.
It is a preventable disease. [5] It can be managed with treatment and become a manageable chronic health condition. [5] While there is no cure or vaccine for HIV, antiretroviral treatment can slow the course of the disease and enable people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives.
A good CD8 + T cell response has been linked to slower disease progression and a better prognosis, though it does not eliminate the virus. [3] During the acute phase, HIV-induced cell lysis and killing of infected cells by cytotoxic T cells accounts for CD4 + T cell depletion, although apoptosis may also be a factor.
HIV testing is an essential gateway to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services. [31] It is crucial to have HIV tests available for individuals worldwide since it can help individuals detect the status of their disease from an early onset, seek help, and prevent further spread through the practice of suggestive safety precautions.
The HIV virus affects the human immune system and, if left untreated can eventually lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). [ 78 ] [ 79 ] [ 80 ] The CDC reported that in 2009 that male-to-male sex (MSM) accounted for 61% of all new HIV infections in the U.S. and that those who had a history of recreational drug injection accounted ...
Disease-specific drugs can also alleviate symptoms of AIDS and even cure specific AIDS-defining conditions in some cases. Medical treatment can reduce HIV infection in many cases to a survivable chronic condition. However, these advances do not constitute a cure, since current treatment regimens cannot eradicate latent HIV from the body.
The latency stage involves few or no symptoms and can last anywhere from two weeks to twenty years or more, depending on the individual. AIDS, the final stage of HIV infection, is defined by low CD4+ T cell counts (fewer than 200 per μL), various opportunistic infections, cancers, and other conditions.