The AIDS Epidemic
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is first detected in 1981 because Pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis Carina, a previously rare fungus and Kaposis Sarcoma.
AIDS: Is an infectious disease, caused by the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) which attacks and destroys the immune system.
There is tow types of the HIV:
1- HIV type 1 : Responsible for most AIDS cases.
2- HIV type 2 : Is endemic in many countries in west Africa but very rare in other parts of the world. Spreads slowly and causes disease more slowly than the HIV type 1 .
Transmission of HIV infection
HIV is transmitted from one person to other through:
A- Sexual contact.
B- Blood contact (through contaminated injection equipment).
C- Prenatally. From infected women to infants.
D- The use of injection needles and syringes which contaminated with blood containing HIV.
E- Transfusion of whole blood,plasma,platelets, or blood cells before 1985.
F- Clotting factors before testing for HIV (Hemophilia).
Transmission occurs when the infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions of one person are deposited onto a mucous membrane or into the blood stream of another person.
HIV Is not transmitted through casual contact.
HIV Is not spread by mosquitoes or other insect vector.
Universal precautions from HIV infection
