Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
This disease was not known before 1983 when it was discovered for the first time in male homosexuals of the USA. The disease is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus affects the CD4+ T-lymphocytes and nerve cells. The T-cells are decreased and, after many years of infection, the pool of these cells is exhausted and renders the individual defenseless against many opportunistic infections. These opportunistic organisms (from both within and outside the body) may then begin to attack the person.
Moreover, different cancers are also associated with HIV/AIDS. HIV is transmitted by sexual contact, blood transfusions, injuries due to sharp instruments contaminated with infected blood and from mother to child. The virus remains in the body for many years and is transmitted to others through these routes. The disease is invariably fatal. However, day-to-day contact with and being in the same house or facility with an HIV-positive patient (without intimate contact) may not impose the danger of HIV transmission. Special care should be taken while dealing with the blood and other laboratory specimens of all persons, especially the specimens from those infected with HIV.
Gloves and white lab coats must be worn and sharp instruments and needles must be handled with extreme care. Laboratory bench surfaces, laboratory forms, and other articles must not be soiled with blood. An ample quantity of hypochlorite solution must be used in the laboratory for decontamination. Regarding rubber and metal items, 2% activated glutaraldehyde solution may be used for disinfection.
Ideally, the Anti-HIV test should be done by ELISA. In the case of a positive test, it must be repeated on a fresh sample and then it should be re-tested by another ELISA test, based on a different principle. Confirmation by Western Blot Testing is carried out in sophisticated laboratories and is the gold standard. In cases of babies born to HIV- infected mothers, patients undergoing treatment and IgGdeficient individuals, the PCR test for HIV RNA is recommended.
, its cases and complications){kind=link}