Epidemiology and pathogenesis of HIV infection. Approaching the second decade

1990 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-8
Author(s):  
SL Becker
Keyword(s):  
Drug Users ◽  
Intravenous Drug ◽  
Intravenous Drug Users ◽  
Stage Disease ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
The Us ◽  
Acquired Immunodeficiency ◽  
End Stage ◽  
Immunodeficiency Syndrome ◽  
Male Homosexuals

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that can be transmitted through sexual activity, blood products, and perinatal exposure. The virus is composed of core, transmembrane, and envelope proteins. Cells of the immune system are the primary target of HIV, and destruction of the immune response is characteristic of end-stage disease. Although male homosexuals continue to represent the largest population of persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), transmission among intravenous drug users accounts for the rapidly growing incidence of pediatric and heterosexual AIDS patients. Control of the epidemic among intravenous drug users is the major challenge in the US today.

Stigmatization and Resources Allocation-Ethical Dilemmas for HIV Positive Intravenous Drug Users

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-33
Author(s):  
Sarosh Saleem ◽  
Maryam Riaz Tarar
Keyword(s):  
Drug Users ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Intravenous Drug ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Intravenous Drug Users ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Distribution Of Resources ◽  
Acquired Immunodeficiency ◽  
Immunodeficiency Syndrome

The burden of disease due to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Pakistan is on the rise. According to an estimate approximately 0.165 million people in Pakistan are infected with HIV and 17,149 person are currently receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS. The prevalence of HIV is 20% for intravenous Drug Users (IVDUs) while national surveillance data shows rate of infection in most major cities in range of 15-50%. In light of such alarming figures, distribution of resources and stigmatization are two ethical issues that gain attention of not only healthcare providers but also patients. Following is a case with discussion on these ethical issues.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in Infants, Children, and Adolescents

1989 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra K. Schwarcz ◽  
George W. Rutherford
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Perinatal Transmission ◽  
Intravenous Drug ◽  
Intravenous Drug Users ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Acquired Immunodeficiency ◽  
Immunodeficiency Syndrome

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first described as a disease of homosexual men. The first cases of AIDS in children were reported in 1982 and involved a transfusion recipient and four infants born to women at increased risk for AIDS. Infants may acquire their infection perinatally or possibly postnatally through infected breast milk. Parenterally acquired infection, through transfusion of blood or blood products, occurs in infants, children, and adolescents. Adolescents are also at risk for infection through sexual transmission and through shared needles among intravenous drug users. By January 1987, 1.4% of the AIDS cases were in children less than 13 years old, and 0.4% were in adolescents 13 to 19 years old. Additionally, 4.4% of the total AIDS cases were reported in 20 to 24 year olds, which most likely reflects infection which occured during adolescence. In children less than 13 years old, infection occurred primarily thorugh perinatal transmission from mothers who were intravenous drug users or sexual partners of intravenous drug users. Adolescent cases of AIDS have followed adult patterns of transmission with most cases resulting from sexual transmission. As the prevalence of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus increases, increases in drug-use-associated transmission in women followed by perinatal transmission to infants and sexual transmission in adolescents seems likely to occur. To prevent further spread, health agencies must develop and target extensive AIDS prevention campaigns at adolescents, young adults, and sexually active women.

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