Transmission, Biochemical Manifestation and CD4+ Cell Count of HIV: A Review

Abstract

Two genetically different related forms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a human lentivirus belonging to the lentivirus family, called HIV-1 and HIV-2, have been isolated from patients with AIDS. HIV can be transmitted through contaminated blood and blood products; from a mother to her offspring during pregnancy, childbirth or breast feeding; or through sexual contact. Sexual transmission remains by far the predominant mode of transmission. Vertical and bloodborne transmission of HIV are highly predictable and very efficient modes. Sexual transmission of HIV, however, appears to be considerably less efficient and highly variable. During the early period after primary infection with HIV, widespread dissemination of the virus and a sharp decrease in the number of CD4+ cell count occur. Determination of CD4+ cell count is an important indicator of the severity of AIDS. Patients with AIDS can be attacked by various opportunistic infections such as pneumonia, Mycobacterium avium complex, human cytomegalovirus, microsporidiosis and tuberculosis. The degree of intensity of these diseases can be indicated by measuring the level of enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase.