Routes of HIV infection. How HIV infection is transmitted - routes of infection with the virus Possible routes of infection with AIDS

HIV infection – the disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus is an anthroponotic infectious chronic disease characterized by a specific lesion of the immune system, leading to its slow destruction until the formation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), accompanied by the development of opportunistic infections and secondary malignant neoplasms.

AIDS – a condition that develops against the background of HIV infection and is characterized by the appearance of one or more diseases classified as AIDS indicators.

The causative agent of HIV infection – human immunodeficiency virus – belongs to the family of retroviruses. There are two types of virus: HIV-1 and HIV-2.

Source of HIV infection are people infected with HIV at any stage of the disease, including the incubation period.

Transmission mechanisms.

I. The natural mechanism of HIV transmission includes the following transmission routes:

1. Contact;

during sexual intercourse (both homo- and heterosexual),

upon contact with mucous or wound surfaces,

upon contact with blood.

2. Vertical (infection of a child from an HIV-infected mother: during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.)

II. The artificial transmission mechanism includes transmission routes:

Artificial for non-medical invasive procedures using non-sterile instruments;

with intravenous drug administration,

when applying tattoos,

during cosmetic, manicure and pedicure procedures.

Artificial for invasive interventions in health care facilities:

• during transfusion of blood, its components, organ and tissue transplantation, use of donor sperm, donor breast milk from an HIV-infected donor,

  through medical instruments for parenteral interventions that have not been processed in accordance with the requirements of regulatory documents.

Transmission factors.

The main transmission factors are human biological fluids:

blood, blood components,

• vaginal discharge,

  breast milk

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of HIV infection is established on the basis of epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data.

Laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection Laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection is based on the detection of antibodies to HIV and viral antigens.

• The standard method for laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection is the determination of antibodies/antigens to HIV using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

• To confirm the results regarding HIV, confirmatory tests (immune, linear blot) are used.

Diagnostic algorithm for testing for the presence of antibodies to HIV:

1. The first stage is the screening laboratory.

if a positive result is obtained in the ELISA, the analysis is carried out sequentially 2 more times (with the same serum and in the same test system).

if two positive results are obtained from three ELISA tests, the serum is considered primary positive and is sent to the reference laboratory (HIV Diagnostic Laboratory of the Center for Prevention and Control of AIDS) for further research.

2. The second stage is a reference laboratory.

The primary positive serum is retested by ELISA in a second test system from another manufacturer; if a negative result is obtained, the serum is retested in a third test system from another manufacturer. If a negative result is obtained (in the second and third test systems), a conclusion is issued about the absence of antibodies to HIV.

If a positive result is obtained (in the second and/or third test system), the serum must be examined in an immune or linear blot. The results obtained in the confirmation test are interpreted as:

• positive - samples in which antibodies to 2 of 3 HIV glycoproteins (env, gag, pol) are detected.

  undetermined - sera in which antibodies to one HIV glycoprotein and/or any HIV proteins are detected. If an indeterminate result is obtained with a protein profile including core proteins (gag) p 25, a test is performed to diagnose HIV-2.

  Negative - sera in which no antibodies are detected to any of the HIV antigens (proteins) or there is a weak reaction with the p 18 protein.

Delivery of results

The document issued by the laboratory based on the results of the study indicates:

name of the test system, its expiration date, series,

ELISA result (positive, negative),

result of an immune, linear blot (list of identified proteins and conclusion: positive, negative, indeterminate).

For confidential research, the document must contain:

full date of birth,

residence address,

contingent code.

During an anonymous examination, the document is marked with a specially established code.

If a questionable result is obtained in the test (immune, linear blot), a conclusion is issued about the uncertain result of the study and it is recommended to repeat the examination of the patient until the status is determined (after 3, 6, 12 months).

Simple/rapid tests to detect specific antibodies to HIV are tests that can be completed without special equipment in less than 60 minutes.

Blood, serum, plasma, blood and saliva (scraping from the gum mucosa) can be used as test material.

Application areas for simple/quick tests:

transplantology - before collecting donor material;

donation – blood examination, in case of emergency transfusion of blood products and the absence of donor blood tested for HIV antibodies;

vertical prevention – testing pregnant women with unknown HIV status in the prenatal period;

post-exposure prophylaxis.

Each HIV test using simple/quick tests must be accompanied by a mandatory parallel study of the same portion of blood using the classical methods of ELISA and IB.

Issuing a conclusion about the presence or absence of HIV infection based solely on the results of a simple/quick test is not permitted.

Clinic

I . Incubation period – this is the period from the moment of infection until the body’s response to the introduction of the virus (the appearance of clinical symptoms or the production of antibodies)

is usually 2–3 weeks, but can last up to 3–8 months, sometimes up to 12 months,

During this period, antibodies to HIV are not detected in the infected person.

II . Acute HIV infection. (in 30–50% of infected people) symptoms appear:

fever,

lymphadenopathy,

erythematous-maculopapular rash on the face, trunk, sometimes on the extremities,

myalgia or arthralgia,

• nausea and vomiting, enlarged liver and spleen,

  neurological symptoms.

These symptoms appear against the background of a high viral load in different combinations and have varying degrees of severity.

In rare cases, severe secondary diseases may develop already at this stage, leading to the death of patients.

During this period, the frequency of referrals of infected people to healthcare facilities increases. The risk of transmission of infection is high due to the large amount of virus in the blood.

HIV infection is a plague not only of the 20th, but also of the 21st century. Every year, the number of people infected with HIV, unfortunately, is steadily growing. Doctors around the world are sounding the alarm, calling on humanity to use common sense - the infection is spreading at cosmic speed, and now there are very few areas left without at least one sick person. However, despite the scale of the disaster, every attempt and compliance with precautions increases the chances of victory in this fight for the life and health of the population of the entire globe.

To know how to effectively fight the disease and prevent infection, it is important to first learn what HIV is. The ways of transmission of this infection, its differences from AIDS, symptoms and basic precautions are the topic of our conversation today. So...

What is HIV?

The abbreviation HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. Already based on the name, it becomes clear that pathogenic bacteria attack the immune system. The target is leukocytes, which help eliminate various harmful microorganisms and fungi from the body. Once the number of white blood cells decreases, a person becomes extremely susceptible to various types of infectious diseases.

People with HIV are doomed to death, since the immunodeficiency virus acts throughout life, and a person can die even from the most primitive ARVI. However, it is possible to survive with HIV infection for two to three years, or for ten years.

Are HIV and AIDS the same thing?

HIV should not be confused with AIDS. AIDS is the very last stage of the disease we are considering. The acronym stands for “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome,” and the statement that you can become infected with this disease is completely false. It is HIV that causes AIDS, so it is quite possible to eliminate the signs of the syndrome, but alas, it is possible to cure the virus itself. In this regard, AIDS is considered fatal, since it occurs at the very end of the disease and invariably leads to a tragic end.

Source or carrier of HIV infection

HIV-infected people are called carriers of this virus, regardless of the stage of the disease, be it the incubation or terminal period. Infection from the source of the disease is possible at any stage of the disease, but the greatest likelihood is contact with the carrier at the end of incubation and at a later date. Only a person can be HIV-infected.

Now that we have figured out what HIV is and who can become a carrier of the virus, let’s consider possible ways of contracting this infection.

Routes of HIV transmission

HIV infection can be transmitted in only three ways:

1. From mother to newborn.
2. Sexually.
3. Through blood.

Theoretically, there is another way of infection - transplantation and transplantation of various organs and tissues from one person to another, as well as artificial insemination of women. However, due to careful testing and numerous checks of biological material, the possibility of infection with the virus is thus reduced to absolute zero.

Note that the paths mentioned above are listed from least common to most relevant. Let's consider each of them separately.

Transmission of HIV from mother to newborn

HIV infection can occur both during pregnancy and childbirth, and subsequently during breastfeeding. This method of infection is currently the least possible of the three above, since modern medicine offers various preventive measures based on the use of chemotherapy. They reduce the risk of having HIV-infected children by several percent. As for breastfeeding, only artificial formula is used.

HIV infection can be confirmed in a child only after he reaches 1.5 years of age. However, it is possible to obtain some information earlier, during the first month of the baby’s life. To do this, the child's blood is taken for analysis, but the result will be only 90% reliable.

In this regard, every pregnant woman should be required to undergo an HIV test in order to avoid aggravation of the situation and transmission of infection to the fetus through inaction or, conversely, undesirable effects on the body of certain medications, the use of which is unacceptable in the above conditions.

Sexual transmission of HIV

Unprotected sexual intercourse is a real scourge among homosexuals, drug addicts, prostitutes, as well as those who practice casual sex. The risk of infection among representatives of this contingent is off the charts. Moreover, HIV is no less common in women than in men. According to statistics, more than 85% of respondents were infected through sexual contact. If, before contact with the carrier, a person already had any inflammatory diseases, then the risk of infection increases several times.

Transmission of HIV through blood

Infection with HIV infection through blood is the most common way of acquiring the disease. You can “earn” a dangerous virus through:

Shared use of disposable syringes and needles;

Non-sterile surgical instruments;

Violation of hygienic rules for the operation of cosmetology and dental equipment;

Transfusion of blood and plasma without prior testing.

How not to get infected with HIV

To be fully educated on this issue, you should know how you can’t get HIV. We described the routes of transmission of the virus above, but now let us remember factors that should in no way affect the position of an infected person in society:

Bodily contact, including kissing, provided that there are no open scratches, wounds, or abrasions on the skin;

Food and drinking liquids;

Household items;

Public toilets, showers, swimming pools, seats and handrails in transport;

Cough, sneezing, sweat, tears, breathing;

Animals and insects, including blood-sucking ones.

Despite this, there are many myths that you can catch the virus at any time. Even if you sleep with an infected person in the same bed and eat from the same plate, you will never be able to become infected with HIV - transmission routes work exclusively in three cases already known to us.

Conditions for HIV infection

Despite the ease with which one can catch a known virus, during its transmission certain conditions must be met:

The infection must enter the endangered organism with special biological secretions that have an increased concentration of bacteria;

For the lesion to grow, penetration into the body itself is necessary. If the covers are not damaged, this is simply impossible.

The virus is present in all fluids that the human body is capable of producing. But at the same time, its concentration in some secrets is much greater than in others. For example, saliva, sweat, tears. If urine enters a foreign body, it cannot transmit HIV. The route of transmission is not important only if the surface of the skin or mucous membranes is not damaged. In other cases, whole liters of such liquids will be required to infect a healthy body.

But secretions such as sperm, pre-ejaculate, vaginal secretions, as well as breast milk and blood already pose a potential danger. After any of the mentioned liquids enters a fertile environment, the level of susceptibility of the affected organism comes into force. The virus will manifest itself in any case, but how early depends on genes, a person’s susceptibility to various diseases, the presence of aggravating conditions and other factors.

Symptoms of HIV

Now let's talk about how the virus can manifest itself externally. Despite the fact that in most cases it is impossible to determine HIV in men or women in the initial stages, there are still some symptoms associated with this disease.

Each organism is individual, so identifying characteristic signs is quite problematic. The latest HIV statistics indicate that the first symptoms can be detected both two weeks after infection and two months later. In some cases, symptoms can disappear for an indefinite period, only to subsequently reappear with renewed vigor.

If you experience symptoms such as:

Enlarged lymph nodes;

Regular occurrence of herpes;

Increased body temperature;

Stomatitis;

Dermatitis;

Dramatic weight loss;

Frequent respiratory diseases;

Feverish manifestations;

Indigestion;

Candidiasis and vaginal inflammation in women,

But you shouldn’t blame everything on various viral and colds. Carefully analyze your recent behavior and the presence of possible factors that could contribute to infection with the virus, and go to the doctor, and then donate blood for HIV.

It is worth remembering that the virus behaves very secretively in the initial stages. Even laboratory tests are unable to recognize a hidden infection. And only after a few years the disease can manifest itself so clearly that doctors no longer have any doubts about the person’s infection.

How long do people live with HIV?

This question is the most pressing for those who have received an HIV-positive result. If we compare the capabilities of modern medicine with what was available 10-15 years ago, it is easy to notice that infected citizens have begun to live somewhat longer. However, the main criterion for this was not only the improvement of medications and technologies, but also the recognition and acceptance by patients of some undeniable requirements regarding the new way of life, which they now have to comply with.

The results of studying the life expectancy of HIV-infected people cannot be subsumed under any possible logical pattern. Some carriers of the virus can live to a ripe old age, while others do not last even 5 years. If we average all the indicators, it turns out that HIV-infected people live about 10-12 years, but all the boundaries are so blurry and relative that there is no point in clearly stating the duration.

The only thing that can help prolong the patient’s life is strict adherence to the following rules:

Eliminate (or at least significantly limit) the amount of nicotine, alcohol and drugs consumed;

Exercise regularly, ideally go in for sports;

Take vitamin complexes and means to strengthen the immune system;

Switch to a healthy diet;

Visit your healthcare professional regularly.

Although it is too early to talk about a complete victory over the virus, the fact that scientists are currently able to control it speaks for itself.

Ways to protect yourself from HIV infection and precautions

Knowledge is the most important weapon against HIV. We already know the routes of transmission of infection, so now all that remains is to add to this awareness. Preventive measures to prevent infection with the virus are as follows:

Using condoms during sexual intercourse. Do not allow your partner’s sperm, blood, or vaginal fluid to enter your body;

Choose your sexual partners carefully. The more third-party and unprotected sexual relationships your boyfriend or girlfriend has, the higher the likelihood of getting an infection;

Be faithful to your partner yourself;

Avoid group sex;

Do not take other people's personal hygiene items (razors, toothbrushes);

Be extremely careful and attentive in unfamiliar public places;

Watch what your children play with. There are frequent cases of used syringes being found on sites and in sandboxes;

Use only sterilized surgical instruments and syringes no more than once. Demand the same from tattoo artists and cosmetologists whose services you have applied for;

If you are a pregnant woman suspected of having the immunodeficiency virus, do not be lazy to donate blood for HIV. If you receive a positive result, seek help from a specialist. He will prescribe the necessary medications to minimize the risk of giving birth to an unhealthy child.

The most important danger of HIV infection is that the virus does not manifest itself in any way for a very long time. During this period, the carrier of the disease can infect other people without suspecting anything about their condition. That is why it is important to know about the existence of a disease such as HIV, the ways of its spread and the precautions that must be taken in order to fully protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.

To protect yourself from AIDS, you need to be aware of all possible ways of transmitting HIV infection. The immunodeficiency virus inevitably leads to the death of a person, since it makes him vulnerable even to a banal ARVI. Infection from a carrier of the virus can occur at any stage of the disease.

Routes of HIV infection

HIV attacks the cells of the immune system, disrupting their functioning and causing death. This makes the body particularly vulnerable to various infections and pathological processes.

The following biological fluids take part in the transmission of infection:

• blood;
• seminal fluid;
• vaginal and rectal fluids;
• breast milk.

In order for the virus to be transmitted from a carrier of infection to a healthy person, there must be direct contact of one of these liquids with the injured mucous membrane or tissue, or their direct entry into the bloodstream.

The mucous surfaces located in the oral cavity, as well as the vagina and rectum are especially susceptible to HIV infection.

HIV transmission occurs in the following ways:

• Through sexual acts, during which barrier protection methods are not used. It is the sexual route that leads to HIV infection in 70-80% of cases. Moreover, with anal contact the probability of infection is much higher than with traditional contact, which is associated with severe damage to the mucous membranes and walls of the rectum. If vaginal sexual intercourse is carried out, one of the parties to which is a carrier of HIV, the likelihood of its transmission is much higher in case of existing injuries and ulcers of the mucous membranes of the internal genital organs, as well as hidden sexually transmitted infections and. During oral sex, the likelihood of infection is low, but it cannot be ruled out if the “receiving” party has wounds on the gums or oral mucosa.
• Through the blood. We are talking about infection through the collective use of disposable needles or syringes (which is why AIDS is so widespread among drug abusers), the use of unsterilized medical instruments or devices intended for performing cosmetic manipulations (during surgical interventions, dental and gynecological procedures , when performing manicure, pedicure or piercing), blood transfusion. The risk of HIV entering the body of a healthy person through blood transfusion cannot be excluded even if the donor blood has been screened for antibodies to HIV, since it cannot yet be detected in the early stages of infection. It should be borne in mind that the infectious dose of this virus is quite high, so the risk of its penetration into the body through direct contact of skin with blood is quite low and does not exceed 0.3%.
• From mother to child during intrauterine development of the fetus, during childbirth or during breastfeeding. In 50% of cases, a child becomes infected when the child passes through the birth canal. If an expectant mother is diagnosed with HIV infection during pregnancy, she is prescribed medications that prevent the virus from crossing the placental barrier, and a cesarean section is used for delivery.

AIDS, which occurs as a result of HIV infection entering the body, is called the sixth most common cause of death after various diseases of the heart and lungs.

How HIV infection is not transmitted

There are a large number of misconceptions associated with opinions regarding the methods of HIV transmission. It should be borne in mind that the infection is not resistant to environmental factors and quickly dies when it gets on any surface. The virus can exist and develop only in the human body, so insects or animals cannot be sources of infection.

Given this information, it can be noted that the immunodeficiency virus does not penetrate the body:

• along with sputum released when coughing or sneezing;
• during hugs and other bodily contacts, since the virus is harmless to intact skin;
• in case of insect bites, including blood-sucking ones, and animals;
• through water in a bath or pool, since the virus quickly dies in water;
• through household items, clothing and personal hygiene items - plates, towels, linen;
• when urine, sweat, or tears of an infection carrier come into contact with the skin;
• when kissing, but only on the condition that both partners do not have wounds or damage in the mouth, bleeding ulcers and rashes caused by herpes infection;
• through saliva. Although this biological fluid contains a virus, its concentration is very low, so the risk of infection is practically reduced to zero;
• through toilet seats, including public toilets;
• through seats and handrails in public transport.

A healthy epidermis and intact mucous membranes are a reliable barrier that prevents HIV infection from entering the human body.

Currently, the media are disseminating information that people with HIV-positive status around the world are taking “revenge” on healthy people by leaving needles previously inserted into a vein in various public places, thus provoking mass infection. Experts say that this is just unreliable material with the help of which newspapers, magazines and television channels increase their own ratings. Since the immunodeficiency virus is extremely unstable to environmental factors, the likelihood of infection in this case is extremely low. However, if a used needle accidentally comes into contact with your skin, you should be tested for HIV.

Special risk factors

There are a number of factors that increase the risk of HIV infection several times. These include the following:

• frequent change of sexual partners;
• sex with unverified partners without using barrier methods of protection;
• non-traditional sexual orientation;
• the presence of a secondary infection in the body (sexually transmitted diseases are especially dangerous);
• inflammatory processes occurring in the body, especially those that spread to the organs of the genitourinary system;
• childhood (the risk is due to incompletely developed immunity);
• high concentration of the virus in the vaginal secretion of a woman who is carrying a child;
• erosion of the cervix in a woman;
• hymen rupture;
• complications that arise during gestation;
• having sex with during menstruation;
• female. When having sex without using a condom, a large amount of viral material enters a woman’s body along with sperm. Representatives of the fairer sex have a large surface area through which HIV enters the body (vaginal mucosa).

Prevention of virus infection

To protect yourself from contracting HIV infection, you need to have an idea of ​​how to prevent the possibility of it entering the body.

Preventive measures to prevent the transmission of HIV infection are:

• refusal of casual sexual relations, especially unprotected ones, as well as non-traditional sexual contacts (anal, group);
• eliminating the possibility of contact of biological fluids of a virus carrier with damaged mucous membranes or skin of a healthy person;
• use of barrier contraceptives (condoms). It should be borne in mind that oral contraceptives and spermicides prevent the likelihood of unplanned pregnancy, but do not protect against HIV infection;
• using disposable medical equipment and carrying out measures to disinfect reusable instruments;
• testing donor blood before transfusion for the presence of antibodies to HIV;
• conducting explanatory work with young people, as well as covering issues of preventing HIV and AIDS infection in the media;
• refusal to inject drugs.

Women who are pregnant are especially susceptible to this virus entering the body as their immunity weakens. That is why they must carefully observe measures to prevent HIV infection and undergo the necessary examinations and diagnostic procedures in a timely manner.

If HIV infection does occur, measures are taken according to the so-called secondary prevention. They are aimed at preventing diseases that provoke the development of immunodeficiency. These are diabetes mellitus, hepatitis, and cancer. For these purposes, antiviral and antibacterial drugs are prescribed.

Video about methods of HIV transmission

Watch the video, which clearly explains the realities and myths regarding methods of contracting HIV infection:

HIV is a slowly progressive human immunodeficiency disease. It arises from two similar retroviruses (HIV-1 and HIV-2), leading to the destruction of CD4 lymphocytes (T cells).

Cell-mediated immunity is impaired. The risk of opportunistic infectious processes and oncology increases tenfold. Initially, once it enters the human body, the infection can cause a nonspecific febrile illness, manifested by fever. HIV can directly affect the brain, gonads, kidneys, and heart, causing cognitive impairment, hypogonadism, kidney failure, and cardiomyopathy. Pathological manifestations range from practically asymptomatic to pronounced clinical manifestations of cancer.

Retrovirus is diagnosed using antibody tests (ELISA), polymerase reaction and antigen (p24). Screening for the presence of infectious agents in the body should be offered regularly to all adults and adolescents. The goal of therapeutic intervention is to suppress the replication of the viral agent. Combinations of more than 3 drugs that inhibit HIV enzymes are used.

Timely treatment has a positive effect on immune function in most patients. It inhibits the development of pathology and reduces the possible risk of developing concomitant diseases. People who are at risk are those who use injection drugs and have multiple or non-traditional sexual relationships. Doctors recommend that they repeat HIV tests every six months.

Methods of HIV transmission

Infection with the virus requires direct contact with the physiological secretions of the patient. In particular, with blood, semen, vaginal discharge, breast milk, saliva, and exudates.

Also released in the presence of open wounds of the skin and mucous membranes, in which there are virions (particles) of viral pathology.

HIV infections are usually transmitted in the following ways:

• Sexual contact in which barrier contraception is not used.
• Needle sharing practiced among injection drug users.
• Transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy, labor or lactation.
• Medical procedures such as blood transfusions that contain virus particles. Manipulations performed with poorly sterilized instruments (manicure, piercing, tattoos) or transplantation of an infected organ or tissue.

Sexual transmission of HIV

Sexual contact, such as fellatio (various types of oral sex), involves a relatively low chance of infection. However, they do not exclude it completely. The risk also does not increase if vaginal secretions or ejaculate come into contact with the skin. But provided there are no skin lesions. The riskiest sexual practices, where the risk of infection is highest, are those that cause trauma to the mucous membrane. This is usually direct sexual intercourse. During anal sex, people are most at risk of infection. According to statistics, the largest percentage of infected patients are men who practice same-sex relationships.

The presence of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the urogenital tract simplifies the transmission of HIV.

STDs, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and especially those that are accompanied by epithelial damage (for example, herpes, syphilis) increase the risk of viral infection several times. Some studies have shown that circumcision (the manipulation of cutting the foreskin) may reduce the risk of infection. By removing the epithelial area, which is more susceptible to the retrovirus.

The following group of patients faces the highest risk of infection:

• Women leading an active sexual lifestyle without the use of mechanical contraception.
• Men and women who have frequent anal sexual intercourse (almost 85% of infections occur during sexual contact).

The minimum risk of infection is observed in the following cases:

• Masturbation, during which ejaculation occurs on the partner’s skin (provided there are no open wounds).
• A low risk of infection is observed during kissing.
• It is almost impossible to become infected by sharing the same sexual device.

Average risk of infection:

• During sexual contact of an oral-genital nature.
• Practitioners of fisting, which involves penetration of fingers into the anus or vaginal opening.
• During same-sex sexual intercourse that involved oral sex.

Preventive actions

An HIV vaccine is difficult to develop due to the extreme variability of the surface proteins of the retrovirus.

This results in a wide range of antigenic types.

Currently, the following key points are considered to be preventive measures:

• Practice safe sex. If both partners are not HIV-negative, but remain monogamous, safe sexual practices remain the same. The use of contraception remains appropriate for HIV-positive patients as well as their partners. Unprotected sex among HIV-infected people can expose a person to infection with other diseases (cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B, STIs), which are provocateurs for the development of AIDS. Condoms provide the best protection and today are the only way to prevent retroviruses and other sexually transmitted infections.
• Recognize the importance of using sterile needles for people who use drugs. A fairly large percentage of people infected with HIV are people who use drugs by injection. Awareness of the need to use individual, disposable syringes for a drug-addicted patient is of great importance, but it is much more important and effective to carry out addiction therapy, as well as rehabilitation of the patient.
• Confidential tests for HIV infection. Tests should be offered routinely to adults and adolescents in virtually all health care settings, be accessible and not costly.

• Consulting pregnant women. If pregnant women test positive for HIV, the risk of possible transmission of the virus to the child should be explained. If the virus is diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy and the woman refuses to undergo immediate treatment, therapy is prescribed from the 12th week. Some antiretroviral drugs can be toxic to the fetus or mother, so therapeutic effects are selected strictly on an individual basis. For HIV-positive patients, cesarean section is recommended to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus to the fetus.
• Blood and organ screening. Transmission by blood transfusion is still possible because antibody tests may be falsely negative during the initial period of infection. Blood screening for antibodies and p24 antigen is mandatory and helps reduce the risk of infection.
• Antiretroviral (pre-exposure) prophylaxis (PrEP). People who are not infected with HIV but are at high risk (for example, by having an HIV-infected sexual partner) take antiretroviral medicine daily to reduce the risk of infection. PrEP does not exclude the need to use other preventive methods, such as condoms.
• Universal precautions. Aimed at the use of disinfectants, personal protective equipment and sterile instruments by employees of medical institutions, beauty salons, beauty salons, etc.

Vertical route of HIV transmission

The vertical route represents the transmission of a retrovirus from a pregnant patient (mother) to her child.

Occurs during labor or lactation. When the disease is diagnosed during pregnancy, the patient is registered with an infectious disease specialist. The doctor develops an individual treatment regimen with antiviral drugs. Treatment is carried out not only for pregnant patients. After birth, the child is prescribed a preventive course using antiviral medications.

Parenteral route of HIV transmission

The parenteral (horizontal) route of transmission is based on the penetration of the infectious agent directly into the blood. For example, by administering an injection with an insufficiently sterile instrument or during a blood transfusion. Also a subtype of parenteral infection is the artificial route of infection. Occurs during surgery.

The horizontal type of infection is in second place in terms of the number of HIV infections. Sexual contact without the use of contraception remains in first place (this also includes oral type of sexual satisfaction). Regarding other routes of transmission of the virus - vector-borne, food or household - infection has not been proven.

In what ways does HIV transmission occur?

HIV infection cannot be transmitted in the following ways:

• By airborne droplets. The retrovirus dies almost immediately in the air, so infection when an HIV-positive patient coughs or sneezes is impossible.
• Through a wet kiss. Infection through wet kissing is minimized. You can become infected only if both have bleeding wounds on the oral mucosa.

In addition, infection cannot be transmitted by touching a patient, through his tears or sweat, or through insect bites.

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
• Flu vaccination (every 12 months).
• Vaccine against hepatitis A and B.
• Vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) to prevent cervical and rectal cancer.
• Vaccination against diphtheria and tetanus infection.

A person is constantly at risk of contracting various infections that threaten health. However, the most dangerous pathogen can be called HIV. The ways in which this disease spreads are quite varied. To prevent infection, people must be informed and aware of how and in what way HIV and AIDS are transmitted. Increasing the level of consciousness and responsibility instills in a person an attentive attitude to the state of health, both his own and those around him.

Even from school, children should know and clearly understand what HIV infection is. Modes of transmission of the virus should be discussed, especially with adolescents, since it is during this period that some begin to become sexually active, which can cause infection. The routes of HIV transmission are determined by the characteristics of the pathogen, which is not able to live in the environment. That is why the routes of infection with AIDS are associated with biological fluids that are located and secreted in the human body.

How is AIDS transmitted through sexual contact?

According to modern statistics, most cases of AIDS infection occur through sex. However, there are a few caveats here. HIV is transmitted through sexual intercourse only if there is no protection in the form of a condom. Contraception is a guarantee that the infection will not enter the body of a healthy person during rubbing of the genitals, ejaculation or oral sex. Sex with an unfamiliar partner significantly increases the risk of developing such a dangerous disease as AIDS. There are practically no ways of recovery, since this form of pathology is the final stage of the development of HIV infection. The routes of infection and spread of the virus in this case are associated with discharge from the vagina and penis. The concentration of infection in sexual secretions is record high. In some cases, it even exceeds the amount of virus in the blood of a sick person.

The routes of transmission of HIV infection are based on the fact that the causative agent of the disease cannot live outside the human body for more than 2 weeks. This means that the virus remains viable for some time in dried semen or vaginal secretions. Thus, you can become infected not only during sex, but also by wearing the underwear of an infected person. This method of spreading the virus is not one of the main ways of contracting HIV infection. However, it is theoretically possible.

You should also remember that you cannot completely trust condoms. This method of contraception often fails. The routes of HIV infection are sometimes unpredictable. It often happens that at the most unexpected moment the protective equipment breaks. If a partner has AIDS, the discharge from her vagina gets inside the condom and infects the partner. If a man has an HIV-positive status, then if the integrity of the contraceptive is damaged, sperm or discharge from the penis penetrates the vagina and the woman becomes infected.

Sexual transmission of AIDS is the most common. The number of people infected during sex is quite large, since modern society has only recently begun to promote a healthy lifestyle and a conscious attitude towards sexually transmitted diseases. AIDS and HIV infection today attract media attention in all countries of the world. Leading sociological publications point to the following reasons for the increase in cases of infection of people during sexual intercourse:

• increase in crime;
• poverty, low standard of living;
• lack of education;
• spread of drug addiction;
• permissiveness;
• bad Education;
• alcohol abuse;
• fashion for visiting nightclubs;
• · insufficient awareness of the issues of infection with immunodeficiency.

The modes of transmission of AIDS should be open to public discussion. This is the only way to reduce the increase in incidence. In addition, special attention should be paid to the issue of sexual transmission of HIV. Promoting safe sex can save many lives. However, you should always check the integrity of the condom and ensure that it does not break during sex.

The route of HIV infection is through blood

One of the most important physiological fluids of the body is blood. It transports useful substances throughout the body and delivers them to every organ. The routes of infection with AIDS and HIV infection are inextricably linked with it. Approximately 35% of all infections occur through contact with this substance. The fact is that in this biological fluid the virus gets the opportunity to live and actively reproduce, attacking immune cells.

You should definitely know how HIV infection is transmitted through blood. The risk of infection is high when sharing a syringe or needle. This is typical for drug addicts. They do not attach importance to this point; as a result, retrovirus penetration is often observed in this way. Interesting information is that in a syringe or needle the virus can remain viable for up to 2 weeks. Even syringes thrown into the street pose a danger to those who accidentally injure themselves on them. It is necessary to ensure that children, while walking in the yard, do not stumble upon such objects. Curiosity in such cases can end in failure.

The main routes of transmission and infection of the HIV virus and AIDS include infection during a blood transfusion procedure. Medical workers, even in particularly urgent and emergency situations, should not neglect preventive measures. Donor blood must be tested for the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus. Also, doctors and nurses must ensure that needles are changed on time, and that everything that the patient comes into contact with is thoroughly disinfected. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent HIV infection.

There are situations when the blood of an infected person enters the stomach, and from there into the intestines, where it is absorbed, and there is a risk of infection. A possible route of transmission of the HIV infection or AIDS virus is a situation where a retrovirus carrier is bitten by a poisonous insect or snake, and a healthy person, saving the life of the patient, decides to suck out the poison on his own. In this case, a fairly large amount of blood along with the virus enters the stomach. If you do not administer the AIDS vaccine in time, which can only help within 72 hours after the pathogen enters the body, then the risk of infection is very high. However, the likelihood of transmission of infection increases if there is damage to the mucous membrane (for example, peptic ulcer).

The factors and routes of transmission of HIV through blood are quite diverse. You can get infected even by kissing if people have open wounds in their mouths that bleed. The main ways of contracting AIDS through blood also include situations in which a healthy person helps a sick person to stop bleeding. Contact with infected blood is not dangerous only if a healthy person has no damage to the integrity of the skin. Otherwise, the virus may enter the body and the infection process will be impossible to stop. The factors and routes of transmission of HIV infection through blood should be actively discussed in society in order to reduce the increase in the number of infected people in this way.

The natural route of transmission of HIV from mother to child

It often happens that newborn children become infected with AIDS. This is due to the fact that an infected mother during childbirth or during natural feeding can transmit the retrovirus to her baby. Doctors call this a natural way of contracting immunodeficiency. During the birth of a baby, a woman’s genitals are very sensitive. The vaginal walls crack and the vaginal opening is often torn. In this case, the newborn comes into contact with biological fluids. The pathogen enters the baby’s body through his own reproductive tract. To reduce the chances of possible infection, obstetricians advise performing a caesarean section on pregnant women who suffer from this disease.

A common route of transmission of HIV infection is breastfeeding. This is due to the fact that the virus actively multiplies in the secretion of the mammary glands. The pathogen penetrates into milk, breastfeeding becomes unsafe for the baby. AIDS-positive mothers are strictly prohibited from breastfeeding their babies. The risk of infection is almost 100%. It is better to replace breast milk with adapted formulas for newborns.

Is HIV transmitted through airborne droplets?

Some people have an obsessive fear of contracting AIDS. They protect themselves in every possible way from any suspicious contacts. You can often hear questions about whether immunodeficiency is transmitted through airborne droplets. Scientists have long confirmed that the likelihood of contracting the virus in this way is reduced to zero. This is due to the fact that infection requires close contact with the blood or sexual secretions of a retrovirus carrier.

AIDS is one of the most sexually transmitted diseases. Accordingly, infection in this way is the most likely and dangerous at the same time. HIV cannot be transmitted through airborne droplets. You can safely communicate with infected people without fear of infection. However, with closer relationships, you need to adhere to preventive standards.

You can become infected with immunodeficiency in several main ways, so everyone needs to remember the basic rules for preventing the disease and try to avoid ways of spreading AIDS.