Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Description

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, AIDS, is a life-threatening Viral Infection caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that dramatically lowers the ability of the body to respond to infection from all other sources.  AIDS is classified as an Immunosuppressive ailment and HIV is a type of RNA Retrovirus.

Topic Contents

 AIDS - Treatments

 AIDS - Food/Herb Treatments

 AIDS - Pharmaceutical Treatments

 AIDS: Combination Therapies

 

 

 

 

Biology of HIV/AIDS

White Blood Cell Effects

 The HIV Virus derives much of its effectiveness from its ability to invade T-Lymphocytes (especially Helper T-Cells) and escape detection by Macrophages for long enough to replicate billions of times before bursting out and invading other T-Lymphocytes.  HIV Infected T-Helper Cells therefore become enemies of the Immune System rather than a means of defense for the Immune System.

 As the number of T-Lymphocytes that are infected by the HIV Virus increases, the number of effective T-Lymphocytes decreases to the extent that the body can no longer respond to Antigens.

 Specifically HIV gains entry into the body''s cells by binding to a molecule known as CD4 that is located on the surface of various cells and serves as a receptor for HIV.

 CD4 is particularly prevalent on the surface of Helper T-Cells but is also present on Monocytes and Macrophages which are also targets for HIV.

 Excessive activity of TH2 Helper T-Cells (known as TH2 Helper T-Cells Dominance) is implicated in AIDS.  Excessive TH2 Helper T-Cells activity encourages the progression of HIV towards flull-blown AIDS.  ^[1]

Stages of Viral Replication of HIV

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Progression of HIV/AIDS

 After initial infection with HIV, an individual may show no symptoms for a lengthy period of time.

 The period between initial infection and the development of (full-blown) AIDS can vary greatly - between about six months to 11 years:  26% - 46% of infected persons develop full-blown AIDS within seven years of initial infection.

 Most persons who develop full-blown AIDS die within three years of the onset of full-blown AIDS.

These Substances may Exacerbate AIDS

Immune System Chemicals

 Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a) may facilitate the activation of the HIV virus that is implicated in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) - during HIV infection a spiral of activation occurs during which HIV causes excessive production of TNF while TNF causes increased activation of HIV (therefore, suppression of TNF production is desirable in persons infected with HIV).  ^[2]