II. Pathophysiology
- HIV is a single-stranded RNA Retrovirus, a Sexually Transmitted Infection as well as bloodbourne pathogen
- HIV 1 is the most common worldwide HIV form and is the major cause of AIDS
- HIV 2 causes a similar presentation to HIV 1 and is found in South Africa and India
- HIV is a Retrovirus
- HIV Structure
- Outer wall of HIV is a lipid bilayer membrane
- Membrane contains embedded Glycoproteins (gp120 is external, gp41 is transmembrane)
- P10 protease is present between this outer wall and the nucleus-like structure's capsid membrane
- Nucleus-like structure is surrounded by capsid wall (p17) and contains RNA and enzymes
- Two strands of single stranded RNA, each enclosed in a nucleocapsid (p24)
- Enzymes: p32 Integrase, p64 reverse transcriptase
- Outer wall of HIV is a lipid bilayer membrane
-
HIV Infection
- Fusion
- HIV gp120 binds to CD4 receptors on CD4+ T Cells (as well as Macrophages and Dendritic Cells)
- Proviral DNA generation
- HIV DNA Transcription and translation
- Proviral DNA is transcribed into Messenger RNA (mRNA)
- mRNA is translated into HIV viral Proteins
- HIV Budding
- Single stranded RNA and viral Protein enzymes are repackaged via part of host cells membrane
- Newly formed encapsulated virus leaves the cell
- Reactivation Propagation
- HIV proviral DNA is activated after a latent period of months to years
- Reactivation and propagation via HIV Budding results in progressive CD4+ T Cell destruction
- Fusion
- References
- Mahmoudi (2014) Immunology Made Ridiculously Simple, MedMaster, Miami, FL
III. Course: Natural History of HIV Disease
- Total duration from initial HIV Infection to AIDS
- No treatment: 10 years
- Early Antiretroviral therapy: May approach normal Life Expectancy
- Active immune response after infection: 2.1 months
- Primary infection usually asymptomatic
- Acute Retroviral Syndrome in 30-50%
- Initial infection with single Genotype
- Evolves into 15-20 distinct viral variants
-
Virus gains access to CD4+ Cells via sequential binding
- CD4 receptor via sequential binding with CD4 receptor in combination with CCR5 or CXCR4 co-receptors
- Over time:
- CD4+ Cell numbers decrease
- Viral concentrations increases
IV. Course: CD4 Count Related Disease progression
- Kaposi's Sarcoma, Dementia: 275 CD4+ Cells
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: 200 CD4+ Cells
- Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia: 150 CD4+ Cells
- Toxoplasmosis or Cryptooccus: 100 CD4+ Cells
- Mycobacterium Avium Complex: 50 CD4+ Cells
V. Staging: General
- Stage 1: CD4 500 Cells/mm3 or more
- Stage 2: CD4 200 to 499 Cells/mm3
- Stage 3: CD4 <200 Cells/mm3 or AIDS-Defining Illness
VI. Staging: Early disease (CD4 Count > 500 cells)
- Presentation
- No symptoms
- May show mild Lymphadenopathy
- Management
- Early Antiretroviral therapy is recommended for all stages of HIV
- Previously, asymptomatic patients in this stage received no therapy
- Course over following 18-24 months
- Risk of occult infection or death: <5%
- Slow decline in CD4 Counts (40 to 80 cells/year)
VII. Staging: Intermediate Disease (CD4 Count 200 - 500 cells)
- HIV related disorders
- Thrush
- Pronounced Vaginal Candidiasis, Onychomycosis
- Recurrent Herpes Simplex Virus Infection
- Recurrent Varicella Zoster Virus Infection
- Pruritic Folliculitis
- Recurrent Bacterial Infections
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Anogenital ulcers or warts
- Complications
- Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia
- Atypical in this stage
- Kaposi's Sarcoma
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia
- Management
- Antiretroviral therapy is continued from prior stages
- Course (Untreated) over following 18-24 months
- Risk of occult infection or death: 20-30%
- Treatment reduces risk by 2-3 fold
VIII. Staging: AIDS Late Symptomatic Disease (CD4 50-200 Cells)
- Complications
- Development of Occult Infections
- Management
- Pneumocystis Jiroveci Prophylaxis (when CD4 Count <200 cells/mm3)
- Toxoplasmosis prophylaxis when CD4 Count <100 cells/mm3
- Antiretroviral therapy continues
- Course (Untreated) over following 18-24 months
- Risk of occult infection or death: 70-80%
IX. Staging: Advanced Disease (CD4 Count < 50-100 cells)
- Complications
- Disseminated Mycobacterium Avium Complex
- Cryptococcal Meningitis
- Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
- Cryptosporidiosis
- Disseminated Histoplasmosis
- Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
- Primary CNS Lymphoma
- AIDS Dementia
- Routine Management
- Anti-Pneumocystis carinii prophylaxis
- Antiretroviral Management
- Anti-Mycobacterium Avium Complex prophylaxis
- Start at CD4 Count < 50 cells/mm3
- Screen for CMV Retinitis
- Ophthalmology exam every 6 months
- Course
- High likelihood of Occult Infection or death