ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME

AIDS- ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME - caused by retrovirus that attacks helper T macrophages which the cells that protect us from disease.

STAGES OF AIDS INFECTION:
FIRST STAGE:

• positive antibodies in the blood stream
• swollen lymph nodes

SECOND STAGE

• related complex syndrome
• weight loss
  
• night sweats
• fatigue
• fever
• diarrhea

THIRD STAGE

• full blown AIDS
• develop pneumonia
• skin cancer
  
• neuromuscular disease
• psychological disturbances
• die after several years
  

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:

• transmitted by blood- through blood transfusion when the blood is infected with AIDS virus
• transmitted through semen or vaginal fluid - when making sex with multiple partners or a single infected partner
• transmitted through needle-using addicts
• AIDS virus can cross the placenta- infant can acquired the infection through intrauterine exposure

EFFECT ON PREGNANCY

• premature rupture of the membrane
• preterm delivery

EFFECT ON THE FETUS:

• infant acquire the disease
  

PREVENTION:

• use of condoms decrease the risk of acquiring the disease
• monogamy with sexual partner who is not infected

my nursing notes