...Community Health-HIV Transmission and Prevention Kimberly Welch Grand Canyon University Concepts in Community and Public Health NRS-427V Jude Belmonte June 14, 2015 Community Health-HIV Transmission & Prevention One of the most complicated and complex communicable diseases in the world population today is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is estimated that 78 million people have been infected and 39 million people have died worldwide since the virus was first identified ("AIDS statistics," 2015, para. 1). HIV is contracted by direct contact with contaminated blood or body fluids. This infection modifies and destroys the specific cells of the immune system ("HIV basics," 2015, para. 1). The result of HIV infection is the eventual progression to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease) (Klatt, 2015, p. 6). HIV and AIDS are commonly used interchangeably when discussing the disease processes in general terms, but there is a distinctive evolution that identifies the presence of HIV to the development of AIDS. Since HIV targets specific cells, massive cellular destruction leads to the state know as acquired immune deficiency syndrome ("HIV basics," 2015). HIV infection currently has no cure and once acquired. However, with early detection and use of new medication combinations, it can be managed ("HIV Treatment," 2014, para. 3). Epidemiology is the medical study of the causes and transmission of disease within a population. Epidemiologist target specific strategies...
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...AIDS RESEARCH FOR A VIABLE VACCINE 1 AIDS RESEARCH FOR A VIABLE VACCINE 2 Abstract AIDS is a global issue. The virus ravages communities, families and lives. As it continues to spread, several countries have made the commitment to work continuously to find ways to stop it. This ongoing quest has brought forth many ideologies, some of single theories others collaborations of theories. It is thought that a single method could be utilized to stop the spread of this deadly virus. It is also thought that the virus is curable and that pharmaceutical companies, governments and corporate entities, rather see the virus continue its’ path for their financial gain. This paper will introduce information that leads to another thought: “AIDS Research and the development of a viable vaccine”, is not being preempted by any entity except, the virus itself. There are factors that hinder the development of a viable vaccine to prevent the transmission of AIDS further research needs to be pursued. AIDS RESEARCH FOR A VIABLE VACCINE 3 AIDS Research for a Viable Vaccine The Problem AIDS is a public health problem that has been adding to its’ numbers since 1981, when it was “first recognized”. (Rowland) Since, 1996, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC has noted, “over one million people are HIV positive and nearly half of that number has AIDS”. In 2007, this number was represented at 33.2 million people worldwide with approximately 25 million...
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...Converging on an HIV Vaccine According to Bette Korber and S. Gnanakaran in their work of converging on an HIV vaccine, they talk about how the HIV virus attacks the body and how it can be suppressed. This work was first introduced on 19th September of 2011. They start of by saying that even after 3 full decades there hasn’t been a discovery of vaccine for HIV, also known as the human immunodeficiency virus. Even though Multidrug therapy can extend one’s life and health for those with HIV virus, it can’t really save a person’s life. Therefore, a vaccination is important for the treatment of these sick people. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (BNAbs) can block the HIV infection from infecting target T cells and so it has the potential of preventing new infections. They also say that Nabs can block HIV infections, but making a vaccine that has the same result had been difficult. BNAbs only show up in little amount of people that are infected by HIV but that happens only after a substantial delay. Also efficacy trials that tried to activate protective antibodies for defense against this HIV virus either failed or showed only a little amount of protection. Therefore, trying to treat people that are infected with HIV with this HIV Envelope either failed or showed a tiny bit of protection. Since this method doesn’t work on treating HIV another approach suggested was the shared characteristics of a class of potent BNAbs that binds to the CD4 binding site of the heavy and...
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...Research Paper HIV: Introspective Overview What is HIV? Figure 1 HIV 1 virus electron micrograph, (Goldsmith) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus of the lentivirus genus. HIV attacks the immune system by invading and destroying certain white blood cells such as helper T cells (mainly CD4+ T cells), dendritic cells, and macrophages. The infection and destruction of the CD4+ T cells takes place through three methods: The direct viral killing of the infected cells, the apoptosis (programmed cell death) of infected cells, and the killing of infected CD4+ T cells by CD8 cytotoxic lymphocytes that recognize infected cells. Once the CD4+ T cells are diminished to a certain critical level, the immunity catalyzed and mediated by these cells is lost, leaving the body vulnerable to infection from other viruses (Noble, AVERT). The last stage of HIV infection is AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). This stage is reached due to lack of treatment while in the earlier stage of HIV. Those who reach this stage commonly die due to infections associated with the progressive failure of the immune system. There are two known types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. Both are transmitted by either sexual contact, through blood, or from mother to child, and they both appear to cause clinically indistinguishable AIDS. However, HIV-2 is less easily transmitted, and the period between initial infection and illness is longer in the case of HIV-2. The globally...
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...University OF Guyana EHE 3104 Elements of Human Nutrition Names: Twana Mccalmont & June Ann Williams Lecturer’s Name :Audrey Duncan Date :November ,24th 2015 History Of HIV HIV was identified in 1983, scientist have tried to understand where it came from when it had arisen, and why it had spread. Were they too late? To answer most of their questions, they would have had to witness the virus's evolution. Scientists can track new pathogens such as SARS and avian flu because they produce obvious symptoms almost immediately. But HIV is a stealth virus that takes as many as 10 years to present symptoms; by the time researchers knew enough to wonder about its origins, those origins were in the distant past. For the last 23 years, scientists have been trying to peer into that past. Jon Cohen, a correspondent for science who has written extensively about the virus, compares the work to fossil hunting, using a few precious shreds of evidence to construct a possible history. "Everybody's always looking for certainty. It doesn't exist [in this field]," he says. "In a sense it's all theory." Nonetheless, the theory rests on facts, and at least a few of them are undisputed -- including, most significantly, HIV's family tree. There are two species of the virus, HIV-1 and HIV-2. The first evolved from a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) found in chimpanzees, while the second came from an SIV in a type of monkey called the sooty mangabey. HIV-1, which is responsible for the vast majority...
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...HIV and its causes to humans I. AIDS is a disease caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The illness alters the immune system, making people much more vulnerable to infections and diseases. This susceptibility worsens as the disease progresses. HIV is found in the body fluids of an infected person (semen and vaginal fluids, blood and breast milk). The virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy, delivering the baby during childbirth, and through breast feeding. HIV can be transmitted in many ways, such as vaginal, oral sex, anal sex, blood transfusion, and contaminated hypodermic needles. Both the virus and the disease are often referred to together as HIV/AIDS. People with HIV have what is called HIV infection. As a result, some will then develop AIDS. The development of numerous opportunistic infections in an AIDS patient can ultimately lead to death. According to research, the origins of HIV date back to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century in west-central Africa. AIDS and its cause, HIV, were first identified and recognized in the early 1980s. There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS. Treatments can slow the course of the disease - some infected people can live a long and relatively healthy life. II. What is the difference...
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...genetic information in humans and other living organisms. It has become a very useful tool in forensic science since it was discovered. In forensic science, DNA testing is used to compare the genetic structure of two individuals to establish whether there is a genetic relationship between them. One example of the use of DNA in forensic science that is important in biology today is comparing a suspect’s DNA profile to DNA that was discovered at a crime scene. This can be done by DNA fingerprinting or by collection of body fluids, such as saliva, semen, urine, blood, skin and hair, found at the scene. Secondly, DNA testing can rule out possible suspects as well. DNA testing can be used to free individuals...
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...Beneficial and Harmful Mutations among Humans Mutation A gene mutation is an irreversible change in the sequence of DNA which a gene is made up of. After mutation, the sequence becomes different from that found in most human beings. Mutations are a result of damage to DNA during replication or to the genomes of RNA usually caused by chemical mutagens or radiation. Mutations in genes can either have no effect, alter the product of a gene, or prevent the gene from functioning properly or completely. Mutations can also occur in non-genic regions. Mutations in sex cells can be transmitted to the next generation; mutations in other cells cannot be transmitted. The effects of mutation may be beneficial, harmful or neutral. The DNA fails to copy correctly thus leading to gene mutation. Harmful Mutations Harmful mutations result in severe consequences on the health of the person. Some examples of harmful mutations are as follows: 1. Sickle Cell Anemia It is an example of natural harmful mutation existing in human beings. It is a...
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...Research Proposal on HIV Posted at: February 9, 2010 under: Sample Research Proposals by admin @ 7:04 am Problem Twenty years ago, the subject of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which has been found to be the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), would not have been the topic of a major and serious worldwide catastrophe. Twenty years ago, people were not phased by the effects that would be caused by this ever so populating disease, and no one would have ever realized that this disease would not be curable or helped without expensive medicine. Like a simple exponential growth equation, the AIDS virus has increased victim numbers by about forty million all over the world. AIDS has also shown that it is not discriminating; it has infected all races and all heritages. The AIDS crisis extends far beyond its death toll, because more than seventy percent of the thirty-six million people with HIV/AIDS live in sub-Saharan Africa. Last year alone, the disease killed 1.5 million people in Africa. One third of these victims are between the ages of ten and twenty-four. The disease has been described as a development crisis; it is profoundly disrupting the economic and social bases of families and entire nations at a rate of infection at 16,000 per day. Without immediate action, AIDS will surpass the effect of the Black Plague that killed forty million people in the late fourteenth century. It is estimated that only ten percent of the death that this disease...
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...The impact of HIV&AIDS, TB, and malaria in Africa Jack Saint Mary University Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, which are extremely serious diseases, kill millions of people every year. Most of the deaths are found in developing countries, especially in Africa. Vietor K. Barbiero (2006) reports that during 2005 alone, approximately 2.8 million people died from HIV/AIDS in Africa, half a million Africans is killed by TB, and close to 900,000 Africans are killed by malaria every year (p.6-7). Three of the most serious contagious diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria) have significant impact on healthcare, economy, and education in Africa. HIV leads to AIDS. According to AVERing HIV&AIDS (2010), HIV is a kind of virus that damages immune system cells step by step. As a result, the body becomes weaker and weaker and becomes more susceptible to contagions. AIDS will evolve when HIV destroys the immune system enough (Para.3). AVERing HIV&AIDS also reports that AIDS is a “medical condition”. A person is believed to have AIDS when his or her immune system becomes too feeble to repel contagions (para.1). HIV/AIDS in Africa HIV/AIDS is one of the most serious diseases. It alone kills a huge amount of people every year in Africa. For example, Barbiero (2006) reports that although Africa has only 15 percent of the world’s population, 60 out of 100 infected people...
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...Mitigation and adaptation measures to HIV/AIDS in the Philippines Mitigation and adaptation measures to HIV/AIDS in the Philippines STS 1 - X GROUP 16 STS 1 - X GROUP 16 Mitigation and adaptation measures to HIV/AIDS in the Philippines ------------------------------------------------- Factolerin, M., Mantala, C.J., Bernardo, M.C., Villa, A., Navarro, A.J., Ausa, E., Obiña, M.L., Velarde, E., Bernabe, M., Lusanta, A., & Bolanos, J. I. Introduction Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a pattern of devastating infections caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmitted through the exchange of a variety of body fluids from infected individuals. It occurs in three ways: sexual transmission, exposure to infected blood or blood products, or perinatal transmission, which includes breastfeeding. The likelihood for transmission is affected by social, cultural, and environmental factors that differ between and within the various regions, countries, and continents. This virus attacks and destroys certain white blood cells that are essential to the body’s immune system (UNAIDS, 2000). When HIV infects a cell, it combines with that cell's genetic material and may lie inactive for years. Most people infected with HIV are still healthy and can live for years with no symptoms or only minor illnesses. They might be infected with HIV, but this does not necessarily mean that they have AIDS. HIV targets CD4+ lymphocytes that help recognize and destroy bacteria, viruses...
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...are not generally considered to be “alive”. * virus= infectious biological particles; 1+ nucleic acid molecules surrounded by protein capsid or envelope * nucleic acid: DNA or RNA, composed of single/double strand (genes encode coat proteins, proteins of regulation of transcription) * capsid: protein coat of virus, viral genome packaging * envelope: lipid bilayer that contains proteins * enveloped viruses: genomes contain genes for synthesis of envelope proteins * viral genomes= virus-specific enzymes (nucleic acid replication) * non-living organism/not “alive” - lack that properties of life (no independent reproduction, no metabolic system= no energy, dependent on host cells 2. Why viral infections are usually difficult to treat with drugs, and exceptions to this general principle. * viruses= hidden in host cells, use host cell machinery to replicate (no obvious viral product to be targeted by drugs/antibiotics - not like bacteria) * symptoms can only be relieved not treated - natural immune function treats — some viruses deadly symptoms= prevention w/ vaccinations (e.g. measles, polio) * Viruses using own polymerases (e.g. RNA viruses - influenza)= more obvious targets - antiviral drugs to treat 3. Whether viruses are always pathogenic. * not all viruses= pathogenic - some benefit hosts e.g. some non-pathogenic viruses protect humans from pathogenic viruses * “protective” viruses...
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...functions of mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA in translation 5. Determine DNA, RNA, and protein sequences when given any complementary sequence Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. You will be able to 6. Distinguish between exons and introns and describe the steps in RNA processing that lead to a mature mRNA Explain the relationship between DNA genotype and the action of proteins in influencing phenotype Distinguish between the effects of base substitution and insertion or deletion mutations 7. 8. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. You will be able to 9. Distinguish between lytic and lysogenic viral reproductive cycles and describe how RNA viruses are duplicated within a host cell 10. Explain how an emerging virus can become a threat to human health 11. Identify three methods of transfer for bacterial genes 12. Distinguish between viroids and prions 13. Describe the effects of transferring plasmids from donor to recipient cells Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Transcription Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. 10.10 Eukaryotic RNA is processed before leaving the nucleus Messenger RNA (mRNA) contains codons for protein sequences Eukaryotic mRNA has interrupting sequences called introns, separating the coding regions called exons Eukaryotic mRNA undergoes processing before leaving the nucleus – Cap added to 5’ end: single guanine nucleotide – Tail added to 3’ end: Poly-A tail of 50–250 adenines – RNA splicing: removal of introns and...
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...Benchmark Assignment: HIV Epidemiology Paper Dawn Hickey-Johnson Grand Canyon University Benchmark Assignment: HIV Epidemiology Paper “The global trends and adverse health impact of HIV, viral hepatitis, STIs, and TB remain among the major and urgent public health challenges of our time. These conditions account for substantial morbidity and mortality, with devastating fiscal and emotional costs to individuals, families, and societies. Despite decades of investment and support, the U.S. still experiences a disproportionate burden of these conditions compared with other Western industrialized nations, with substantial health disparities being observed across population subgroups and geographic regions.” (Hazel D. Dean, ScD, MPH Kevin A. Fenton, MD, PhD, 2010) This paper will focus specifically on HIV/AIDS. “ Genetic research indicates that HIV originated in west-central Africa during the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. · AIDS was first recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1981 and its cause, HIV, identified in the early 1980s. ("STOP AIDS," 2009) Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome(AIDS) is a disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV attacks the human immune system, and progressively reduces its effectiveness, leaving the host susceptible to opportunistic infections and tumors. Due to the extended incubation period, the time between being infected with the virus and the manifestation...
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...Study of the rates of co-infection of HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis in Urbanized regions within Sub-Saharan Africa Sistla Sumanth Introduction: Airborne communication of mycobacterium tuberculosis is responsible for the evolution of primary tuberculosis (TB) in immunostable and immunocomprimsed patients (Aaron, et al. 2004). In 1993, the center for disease control classification identified that TB was the defining illness in HIV infected patients, as it is typically the first symptom bearing illness to afflict the patient (Aaron, et al. 2004). TB cases have dramatically increased in the global setting in recent, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, illustrating the sensitivity of HIV infected patients to this co-infection. TB results from a pathogenic infection caused primarily by M. tuberculosis, and seldom Mycobacterium bovis; the infiltration of the bacterium into the respiratory tract leads to the infection of the macrophages and cytotoxic cells debilitating intracellular growth (Aaron, et al. 2004). The risk of HIV infected patients to succumb due to the co-infection of tuberculosis and HIV is twice that of patients only infected with HIV (Aaron, et al. 2004). A 1997 estimate suggests that atleast 10.7million people were co-infected with HIV and M. tuberculosis; more than 30% of TB cases in Africa are also infected with HIV (Aaron, et al. 2004) showing the susceptibility of co-infection in immunocompromised patients. Those living in Sub-Saharan Africa...
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