Human T Lymphotropic Virus Type III (HTLV-III), also known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is a viral infection that primarily attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 T cells, a type of white blood cell. HTLV-III is a member of the retrovirus family and is transmitted through various modes including sexual contact, blood transfusions, sharing contaminated needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
The virus enters the body and replicates primarily in the lymph nodes and the blood, leading to a gradual decline in the number of CD4 T cells, impairing the immune system's ability to defend against infections and diseases. HIV is characterized by its ability to establish a chronic infection, ultimately leading to the development of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated.
Common symptoms during the initial phase of HIV infection, known as the acute or seroconversion stage, may include fever, fatigue, rash, sore throat, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. As the infection progresses, individuals may experience recurring infections, weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and other opportunistic infections, indicating a weakened immune system.
Prevention and control of HTLV-III infection involve practicing safe sex, using sterile needles, screening blood donations for HIV, and implementing interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission, such as antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Currently, there is no cure for HIV, but antiretroviral therapy can effectively manage the virus, allowing individuals to live longer and healthier lives.
