Diagnosis and Treatment for HIV/AIDS
Presence of human immunodeficiency virus is detected by examining a sample of blood and oral mucus to look for the antibodies that the immune system make against the HIV virus. One common diagnostic test for HIV/AIDS is ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test). Earlier, ELISA was the only test available for the diagnosis of HIV. In this test, a sample of the blood is examined to look for the presence of the antibodies to HIV. If the test shows positive results, then it is repeated for the second time. A second positive result is then followed by another test, known as western blot test. This test is conducted to look for the presence of HIV proteins.
The main problem with the various diagnostic tests is that the results may not be accurate, as the immune system can take some time to make the antibodies. Usually, the immune system takes 3 to 6 months after the infection to make the antibodies against human immunodeficiency virus. Presently, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Treatment is mainly aimed towards alleviating the painful symptoms, improving the quality of life of the patients and preventing the complications that may arise from secondary opportunistic infections. Usually, anti-retroviral drugs are used to prolong the lifespan of the patients by inhibiting the replication of HIV. Presently, there are seven classes of anti-retroviral drugs that are available for HIV treatment.
Knowledge about early HIV symptoms in women is very important, as early detection can ensure prompt treatment, which can help to slow down the progression of the disease and prolong the life span of the affected individual. However the symptoms of HIV, especially the early symptoms can be produced by many other health conditions as well. So, it is not possible to detect HIV/AIDS only on the basis of symptoms. Therefore, it is better to get yourself tested, if you feel that you are at a risk of contracting the human immunodeficiency virus.
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