Mini-Systematic Literature Review: HIV/AIDS - WCU Assignment

This literature review examines HIV/AIDS, a critical global health issue. The review synthesizes information from two scholarly articles, focusing on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for the disease. The assignment discusses the HIV virus, its modes of transmission, and the importance of early testing and treatment. It explores diagnostic methods, including blood tests, and various treatment approaches, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Furthermore, the review assesses the prognosis of HIV/AIDS based on the initiation and effectiveness of treatment, highlighting the impact of ART on life expectancy. The mini-systematic review adheres to APA format, offering a clear and organized presentation of the reviewed materials.

Running head: HIV/AIDS 1
HIV/AIDS
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HIV/AIDS 2
Introduction
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the leading causes of death
globally. In 2017, the UNAIDS reported 1.3 million deaths globally (Ryom, Boesecke,
Bracchi, Ambrosioni, Pozniak, & Arribas, 2018). It is caused by a HIV virus that is transmitted
by bodily fluids. Since AIDS is asymptomatic for as much as three months after infection,
individuals should get tested and treated earlier to reduce the global burden of HIV/AIDS.
Discussion
Causes
HIV is the retrovirus that cause AIDS. The virus affects vital organs of the body and the
author states that the virus spread in the absence of an antiretroviral. The rate at which the virus
spreads depends on different factors such age. Furthermore Nordqvist, states that the virus is
found in bodily fluids and it can be transmitted from one person to another through unprotected
sexual intercourse, perinatal transmission and blood transmission (Nordqvist, 2015).
Diagnosis
Nordqvist states that in the report released by the CDC in 2011, it is only one out 5 HIV
positive individuals are aware of their status. Out of this proportion, it is only 49% who subscribe
to medications (Nordqvist, 2015). The standard test for HIV according To the World Health
Organization is a blood test. The HIV antibodies can be detected in blood between three to four
months after contact with the virus.

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Treatment
There are different treatment options for HIV/AIDS. The study explains that earlier HIV
antiretroviral treatment is key (Nordqvist, 2015). This method is believed to bolster the quality of
life and increases life expectancy. According to the World Health Organizations guidelines in
2013, this method is only effective if initiated immediately (Ryom et al., 2018). Some of the
antiretroviral include Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase, protease inhibitors and the
Nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It is therefore advisable for
individuals to get tested regularly so that in case they are positive, antiretroviral treatment is
implemented on time.
Emergency HIV pills can also be used to treat HIV. The author explains that if this form
of treatment is implemented immediately after exposure to the virus, the virus can be completely
eradicated. This form of treatment is known as Post-exposure prophylaxis. However, it is
associated with severe side effects such as nausea, malaise, weakness and fatigue.
Prognosis
Prognosis is the likely course of a disease in the body. HIV/AIDS according to the
author, progress at a faster rate if antiretroviral treatment isn’t initiated on time. The average life
expectancy in such a case is only 10 years (Ryom et al., 2018). If an individual gets tested and is
subjected to antiretroviral treatment, the life expectancy can exceed fifty years.
Conclusion
AIDS is one of the leading causes of mortality globally. It is caused by HIV virus that can
be transmitted in bodily fluids through unprotected sexual intercourse and blood transfusion.
Once infected, the virus can be asymptomatic for over three months. It is therefore advisable that

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individuals get tested regularly since the options for treatment works well if implemented early.
Furthermore, individuals should refrain from unprotected sexual activities which is the highest
cause of the infection.

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References
Nordqvist, C. (2015). HIV/AIDS: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments.
Ryom, L., Boesecke, C., Bracchi, M., Ambrosioni, J., Pozniak, A., & Arribas, J. (2018).
Highlights of the 2017 European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) Guidelines for the
treatment of adult HIV ‐positive persons version 9.0. HIV Medicine, 19(5), 309-315.
doi:10.1111/hiv.12600