DrWritten by S. M. Akerkar
Diagnosis of HIV DISEASE--What is ELISA test for HIV ?-- Whenever any organism enters body, immune system produces antibodies to it. Hence presence of these antibodies is an indirect evidence of infection. ELISA test for HIV is a test that detects antibodies to HIV. A positive ELISA test is therefore an indirect evidence of HIV infection. However body takes 6 weeks to 3 months to produce antibodies. Thus even after infection test becomes positive only after 6 weeks to 3 months. This period is called as window period. During this period patient is infective but test is negative. Should a single ELISA test positive report be taken as an evidence of HIV infection ?-- In case of ELISA positive; either test is repeated or a more specific test like Western Blot is done to confirm diagnosis. What is Western Blot test? This is a more specific test for diagnosis of HIV infection. It is generally used to confirm a positive ELISA report.
| | DrWritten by S.M.Akerkar
Transmission & prevention of HIV -- How is HIV transmitted ? HIV is found in substantial number in semen, blood & vaginal secretions. Hence if any of theses secretions enter body of a healthy person, then infection can be transmitted. Since semen & vaginal secretions are sexual fluids, unprotected penetrative sex with HIV infected person is an important route of transmission. This is predominant route of transmission of infection. Blood can be gain entry in another body during blood transfusion or due to sharing of used needles. The latter is common in intravenous drug abusers. It can also occur if needles & syringes are used without proper sterilization in hospitals. HIV can also be transmitted from mother to fetus. Can kissing lead to HIV transmission ?-- No concentration of HIV in saliva is very low. Large quantities of saliva are unlikely to be exchanged in kissing. Even if saliva contains HIV, it does not get transmitted unless there are some cuts/ bruises in mouth. Hence kissing is unlikely to lead to HIV transmission. Can sharing of shaving blades lead to transmission of HIV ?-- During shaving, minor cuts are likely to occur. Many are very small, even invisible to naked eye. If a blade is used on an infected person some amount of blood remains on blade. If same blade is used for a healthy person then HIV in blood can gain entry in healthy person. However HIV does not survive outside body for a long time. Hence risk is low. Shared blades increase risk of contracting other diseases like hepatitis which can survive for a much longer time outside body. It is always advisable not to share shaving blades.
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