AIDS-diagnosis and management

ABSTRACT

HIV infection is universal with an ever increasing number of HIV infected people. However the pattern of infection varies depending on the region involved. In Pakistan, 960 HIV positive cases were detected, of which 52 were AIDS cases. HIV is transmitted more commonly in individuals who are involved in risk activities or who belong to the high risk group. The disease has varied presentations and needs a high degree of suspicion from the health care providers. Two different types are identified; HIV [widest distribution] and HIV-2 [mostly in West Africa]. Most of HIV-1 individuals have antibodies detectable in all assasy, excepting those who have been recently exposed. No patient with suggestive symptoms or signs should be dismissed on the basis of a single negative test results and no patient should be informed definitely about a positive finding without confirmed positive results. ELISA, PCR and virus culturing are methods for diagnosis the disease