Human Immunodeficiency Virus Cases on the Rise in Pakistan

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus infection leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. After horizontal transmission
(through unprotected sex, contaminated blood transfusion or sharing contaminated syringes among main line drug addicts)
or vertical transmission (from mother to foetus during pregnancy or during deliver / breast feeding), the person remains asymptomatic for years or may develop flu like symptoms. HIV remains quiescent in the monocytes and helper T cells interfering with and knocking out host’s immune system immensely increasing the risk of opportunist and non-opportunist infections as well as various malignancies. There is no cure for HIV or a vaccine available as of today; current antiretroviral treatment slows the course of the disease and may lead to a near-normal life in affected individuals. Treatment is recommended without delay; without treatment, the affected individuals don't survive beyond first decade.