HIV is short for human immune deficiency virus. It belongs to the retrovirus family of viruses. Retroviruses are special in that they possess the ability to convert their RNA (ribonucleic acid) genome into DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) with the aid of an enzyme, reverse transcriptase. This RNA-DNA switch is significant as it is an exception to the central dogma of Molecular Biology where DNA always transcribes (produces) RNA which in turn is translated into Proteins.
If not treated, HIV infection will eventually cripple the immune system of an individual through the continuous destruction of the CD4+ cell component of the immune system. CD4+ cells in a layman’s term, are whistle blowers. They alert every other functional component of the Immune system upon invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms. The alerted immune cells then swing into action to clear the body of the intruder, and effectively eliminate the accompanied disease.
With the CD4+ cells out of the way, the immune system turns a blind eye, to infections, this in turn allows these pathogens to wreak havoc on the patient, and potentially leads to death.
SERODISCORDANT COUPLES
The term above refers to married partners gay or straight, where one of them tests positive for a blood borne infection and the other free. Often than not this term is used to refer to partners with one HIV positive and the other negative.
Transmission
Under normal circumstances, HIV can be transmitted from one person to another, in an event where both exchange body fluids like blood, seminal and vaginal fluids. Although the predominant mode of transmission is through sexual intercourse, people get the infection, after receiving infected blood transfusion, involvement in a road accident, Laboratory accident involving a biomedical scientist and an infected specimen, from mother to child, during child birth or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
If sexual intercourse facilitates, the transmission of the virus, how then is it possible to have couples, live together, produce children and still be sero-discordant?
The Magic lies in the Science of reduced viral load. Achieving a non-detectable viral load, is the ultimate target of anyone living with the HIV virus. Anti-retroviral drugs, have the ability to attack and kill Hiv viruses in an infected cell, some of these drugs act by blocking the entry of the virus into the cells.
However, at this time, it is still impossible to clear the body of the virus, because some of them hide in places where the drugs can’t reach.
A person who takes their medication as prescribed, will be able to clear the virus from their body, and maintain an adequate dose required to prevent the proliferation of the virus, hence achieves an undetectable viral load.
However the risk of transmission although minimal still exists, therefore sero-discordant couples have to employ measures to prevent transmission. Some of these includes the use of Condoms during Sex, use of Pre-exposure prophylaxis, artificial insemination etc.
It is important to note that the risk of viral transmission is higher in partners who practice anal sex than those that practice vaginal sex.
References
Verywellhealth