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Chapter-25 Biochemistry of AIDS

BOOK TITLE: Essentials of Biochemistry for Medical Students

Author
1. B Shivananda Nayak
ISBN
9788184487718
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/11024_25
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2010
Pages
8
Author Affiliations
1. University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies; Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India
Chapter keywords

Abstract

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a set of symptoms and infections resulting from the damage to the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid containing HIV, such as: blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk. There is currently no vaccine or cure. Antiretroviral treatment reduces both the mortality and the morbidity of HIV infection. Due to the difficulty in treating HIV infection, preventing infection is a key aim in controlling the AIDS epidemic, with health organizations promoting safe sex and needle-exchange programmes in attempts to slow the spread of the virus.

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