HIV, Immune System Responses, and Medical Treatments

HIV and AIDS: Transmission and Impact

HIV enters the body through blood, vaginal secretions, semen, and the placenta. It can stay in the nucleus of the cells it infects and remain there "sleeping" indefinitely. Among the cells that the virus infects and destroys are those responsible for defending against infection, such as white blood cells. For this reason, it produces immunodeficiency, which leaves patients vulnerable.

Treatment and Prevention of STDs

Currently, all sexually transmitted diseases, except AIDS, can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Avoiding sex or using condoms are measures to prevent the spread of STDs.

The Local Response to Wounds

Phagocytes are a type of white blood cell found in the blood and tissues under the skin; they encompass and destroy any type of germ in their path. The area of the wound becomes inflamed and red, and an increase in temperature at the site of injury is seen as part of the inflammatory response.

• It produces dilation of local blood vessels to increase blood flow and enable the transport of phagocytes.
• There is a local increase in temperature to increase the mobility of phagocytes.
• The pus that forms at the site of inflammation is comprised of the remnants of white blood cells loaded with phagocytosed germs.

The General Immune Reaction

If germs manage to overcome the first barriers, they may cause a generalized infection called septicemia. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell responsible for making antibodies, which are chemicals that serve as a defense against pathogens that overcome initial barriers.

The Protection Process

• An organism is intercepted and wrapped by a phagocyte.
• The phagocyte carries the germ and exposes it to the lymphocyte capable of producing an antibody that destroys it.
• This sensitized lymphocyte multiplies and produces antibodies that destroy the pathogen.

Vaccines, Sera, and Antibiotics

Vaccines

For artificial immunity against diseases, we vaccinate. Vaccines are artificial preparations that can contain killed bacteria, live bacteria attenuated by heat, or disabled components thereof.

The Serum

Serum is used to prevent disease in an unvaccinated person when it is suspected they may have been in contact with germs. Sera are prepared containing artificial antibodies against disease-causing agents.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are substances produced by fungi and bacteria that inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.