HIV and AIDS are two stages of the same virus. AIDS is the later progressive stage causing death. HIV belongs for a group of viruses known as retroviruses. Retroviruses are a class of enveloped viruses containing a single stranded RNA molecule as the genome. Following infection, the viral genome is reverse transcribed into double stranded DNA, which integrates into the host genome and is expressed as proteins (For more information, see website on retroviruses given in Bibliography). HIV can be transmitted in a number of different ways, eg. via blood, semen, breast milk or vaginal fluids. HIV is most commonly spread by unprotected sexual intercourse with someone who has the v

It is impossible to discern whether a person is infected with HIV by appearance alone. Blood tests are the only way in which the presence of HIV can be detected. Blood tests, are, however, only generally carried out on persons thought to be infected (i.e. showing clinical signs assdociated with HIV), or those that might have been put at risk (e.g. drug abusers, rape victims). This is of great concern, since figures suggest that one in three people who are actually infected with HIV don’t actually know they have the virus. Blood testing involves looking for specific antibodies within the patient’s blood, which are made by the body to fight the HIV virus. People found to possess HIV antibodies, and thus suffer from HIV, are known as ‘HIV Positive’. There are no clear and definite diagnostic symptoms, but early clinical signs may include fevers, headaches, fatigue and muscle aches. On average, it takes over ten years for symptoms to develop. HIV infects the T-helper cells (lymphocytes) and other white blood cells, resulting in their destruction. There is a variation between the viruses infecting each person (due to the nature and behaviour of a “retrovirus”), and this is the reason why the development of an appropriate vaccine has been so difficult.

Treatment of HIV/AIDS varies on a global scale, depending upon the wealth of the country concerned. In the United Kingdom, the economy is very good and health care is of a very high standard in comparison to many other countries. Treatment for HIV/AIDS is readily available on the National Health Service. Drugs are readily available but are expensive and cost the taxpayer a huge amount of money. However, in third world countries, such as part of Africa, people simply cannot afford drug treatment. In the US, it costs between $10,000

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