The HIV test  (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a blood test that detects the presence of antibodies to HIV. This test is called Elisa (enzyme immunosorbent assay absorbent) and is not specific to this infection, therefore, must be confirmed with another test called Western Blot, if give the Elisa with positive outcome. Instead of Elisa, the patient can also be done proof Meier (enzyme method of immuno analysis).

The human body normally produces antibodies to fight disease. In the case of HIV antibodies show only that the person is infected with the virus. Being infected means the virus is present in the body and that of not taking appropriate precautions, can infect other people, but feels well and has no symptoms at all. Being infected, is not the same as having AIDS.

Results

A positive result means that they are HIV antibodies in their blood. This means that HIV carrier is not having AIDS. It is important to know that can infect another person if it maintains unprotected sex (without condoms) or by direct contact with blood with blood. These people should always protect themselves in their sex to not be at risk of re-infection, hence, must prevent HIV re-enter his body, because that would increase the possibility of contracting AIDS.

If the result is negative, meaning that there were no antibodies to HIV in the blood. To be sure of the outcome of the analysis must wait up to 6 months after the risk.

How is it done?

Through a blood test, with an 8-hour prior fasting, will know the outcome of the test. The patient must be over 18 years, otherwise, must be approved by a higher. If not for a routine inspection, it is recommended testing three months after the risk.

The results are available after a week to 15 days of the test done.

How much does it cost?

The test is performed for free at all municipal hospitals.

When is it appropriate to conduct the test?

Discovery is systematic and compulsory from giving blood, semen, organ and tissue to prevent virus transmission to the receiver.

It is also recommended for all health professional who has suffered an accident at risk of potential contamination, especially in case of injuries material stained with blood.

People exposed to infection (multiple partners), or just after unprotected intercourse (heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual), addicted to intravenous drug and people from countries where the infection rate is high should be performed test.

Pregnant women should also perform the test as a precaution.

How much time must elapse after infecting a contact for the test is positive?

The antibodies appear after a certain period of 3 to 12 weeks on average.

The test for detecting antibodies is therefore negative at the beginning of the infection despite the fact that the person is carrying the virus. The positivización test corresponds to the emergence of antibodies, that is what is known as seroconversion.

Confidentiality

An analysis of AIDS can be done only with the consent of the person who performs it, is confidential.

The following one is a list of infections and cancers related to the AIDS that the people with this disease acquire as its count of CD4 falls. Previously, to have AIDS was defined as having infection by HIV and acquiring one of these additional diseases, but at present it is defined additionally as having a count of CD4 below 200, even without the presence of an opportunistic infection. Many other diseases and their respective symptoms can be presented/displayed besides which they appear in this list. Common with CD4 count inferior to 350 cellules/ml: Virus of the herpes simple: cause ulcers or vesicles in the mouth or the genitals; one appears with more frequency and severity in a patient infected with HIV that before the infection. Tuberculosis: infection with the bacterium of the tuberculosis that predominantly affects the lungs, but can affect to other organs like the internal, the coating of the heart. Treatment   Until this moment, it does not exist of cures for AIDS. Nevertheless, are available several treatments that can slow down the progress of the disease by many years and improve the quality of life of those people who have developed symptoms? The antiretroviral therapy inhibits the replication of virus

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the final and one of the most serious stage of the infection by HIV, which produces severe damage to the immune system. AIDS begins when a person with infection by HIV has a count of cells CD4 (a type of immune cell also denominated ” T” cells; or “cooperating lymphocytes T”) below 200. Also it is defined by numerous opportunistic infections and cancers that appear in the presence of the infection by HIV. Causes, incidence and factors of risk AIDS ( acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the fifth important cause of death in the people between 25 and 44 years of age in the United States. Around 25 million people anywhere in the world they have died because of this infection from the beginning of the epidemic and 40,3 million people are at the moment living with HIV/SIDA in global terms.  Human immunodeficiency virus   (HIV) causes AIDS. This virus attacks the immune system and leaves to the vulnerable organism to a great variety of infections and potentially mortal cancers. The common bacteria, the levaduriformes fungi, the parasites and the virus that generally do not bring about serious diseases in people with an immune system that works normally can bring about mortal diseases in the people with AIDS. One has been HIV in salvation, tears, weave of the nervous system, blood, semen (including the preseminal liquid), vaginal flow and maternal milk.  Nevertheless, only through the blood, the vaginal semen, secretions and maternal milk the contagion with other people appears. The transmission of the virus happens: Through sexual or oral contact, vaginal or anal manner.  A pregnant woman can transmit the virus to her fetus through fact to share the circulation of the blood or a nursing mother can transmit it to her baby by milk. There is other little common transmission methods like an accidental injury with a needle, artificial insemination by a donated semen and through transplants of organs. The infection by HIV does not propagate by accidental contact like a hug, to touch to things that have been touched previously by a person infected with the virus, neither during the participation in sports nor by mosquitoes. One does not transmit the people who DONATE blood or organs. The people who donate organs do not enter direct bonding with they receive which it. In the same way, anybody that donates blood does not have contact with it receives which it. In all these procedures sterile needles and instruments are used. Nevertheless, HIV can be transmitted the person who RECEIVES blood or organs of an infected donor. It is by that the blood donation points and the programs of donation of organs make meticulous examinations to the donors, the blood and the weaves. Between that they are in the group with greater risk they can mention: Those that have sex without protection The sexual companions of people who participate in activities of high risk (like anal sex) The intravenous drug users that share the needles The children born from mothers with HIV who did not receive the therapy for HIV during the pregnancy People who received sanguineous transfusions or hemoderivados between 1977 and 1985 (before the establishment of the evaluations standard to look for the virus in the blood). AIDS begins with an infection by HIV. It is possible that the people infected with HIV do not present/display symptoms during 10 years or more, although yes can transmit the infection to others during this asymptomatic period. In the meantime, if the infection is not detected and the treatment begins, the immune system is debilitated gradually and AIDS is developed. The acute infection by HIV progresses with time to an infection by asymptomatic HIV and soon to early symptomatic infection by HIV. Later, it progresses to AIDS (defined like the infection by HIV very outpost with count of cells T below 200). The majority of the individuals infected with HIV and without treatment will develop AIDS. There is a small group of patients who very slowly develop AIDS or that develop never it. To these individuals it is called patients to them without progression of the disease and many seem to have a genetic difference that it avoids that the virus adheres to certain immune receivers.    

Symptoms  

 The symptoms of AIDS are mainly the result of infections that normally are not developed in people with a healthy immune system. These are called “opportunistic infections “. HIV exhausts the immune system of the patients with AIDS, who are very susceptible to these opportunistic infections. The common symptoms are fever, perspiration (particularly at night), inflamed glands, chills, weakness and loss of weight. It is possible to be sent to the section of signs and examinations next to see a list of the common opportunistic infections and the main symptoms associated with them. Note: The initial infection with HIV can be asymptomatic. Nevertheless, the majority of the people yes undergo symptoms similar to the influenza with fever, coetaneous eruption, irritation of throat and inflammation of the lymphatic ganglia, generally two weeks after contracting the virus. Some people with infection by HIV remain per years without symptoms between the time of the exhibition and the development of AIDS.

The prevention

Sex education is paramount and must begin before the onset of sexual activity of adolescents. HIV infection is a sexually transmitted disease and one contaminant sexual intercourse can transmit the disease to healthy partner. The only means of prevention is the use of condoms during sex with partners whose HIV status is unknown.

It can also be transmitted in injecting drug use with contaminated material. It is necessary to use injection equipment for single use in France, this material is available in pharmacies without a prescription.

HIV infection progresses to AIDS, a disease fatal if not treated early enough. An HIV patient will be monitored regularly by a medical team and treatment will be offered in a timely manner.

 The screening

A person infected with the AIDS virus must be detected as soon as possible on the one hand, to take all precautions so as not to infect sexual partners, on the other hand, so that it can benefit from medical monitoring and the initiation of appropriate treatment at the best time.

It is logical that at any risk sex with a new partner which is not known HIV status and without condoms, HIV testing is requested. Pregnant women will have during their pregnancy an HIV test with other tests (toxoplasmosis, syphilis, rubella).

The supervision of a person with HIV

A person with HIV (vis-a-vis HIV) remains as a first step in good health but it is necessary to monitor the infection of the regular dosages of CD4 cells and viral load ie the number of virus in the blood. The patient will be followed medically and psychologically and will be regularly informed about the evolution of her infection, it may permanently contact the medical team which has supported.

The antiviral treatment

At a certain point in the evolution of the disease, when the CD4 decline significantly and that the viral load increases, the medical team will propose an HIV positive patient to anti-retroviral treatment. It is now composed of 3 drugs, known as triple therapy. Much progress has been made to simplify the number of tablets and frequency taken daily. However, it remains binding having to take treatment every day for many years. It is essential for a person with HIV to understand the value of triple anti-AIDS and preventing the abandonment over the years because of side effects or fatigue.

It is important that it be prepared and that she had discussed with his doctor. According to the proposed medications, side effects will vary. It is important to distinguish the side effects fairly common in early treatment (digestive, headache, fatigue.) And often fade, effects that may occur after several months or years of treatment (increase of sugar - diabetes), lipids (choléstérol.), changing the morphology, which may have an impact on risk of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke ,…).
It will particularly reduce cardiovascular risk in keeping or regaining a normal weight, taking well-balanced meals, having regular physical activity. It is essential to stop smoking, anti-tobacco consultation will be advised among smokers infected with HIV. The combination can delay the progress of HIV infection to AIDS. Despite the side effects, the patient can lead mostly normal lives.
It is essential to follow the treatment properly, according to the prescription of the medical profession and every day, regularly, at set times, with or without meals. This is the first treatment initiated which has the greatest chance of being effective. We must not let it pass. A treatment failure sign the emergence of resistance to the virus molecule prescribed.
He is represented by a resumption of viral multiplication and a decrease in CD4 lymphocytes. The failures of treatment are almost always caused by poor adherence, ie poor monitoring of prescription medication: forgetfulness, hours taken not observed. sometimes antagonistic combinations of drugs (which can have side effects if taken together). It will sometimes change drugs, the risk of failure will be greater. When it appears an infectious disease or cancer, they will be treated as though there were no HIV infection. 

In the world, according to UNAIDS (United Nations on HIV / AIDS), the number of people infected by HIV is estimated at about 39 million in 2005, the majority living in developing countries. In 2005, 2.8 million people died because of AIDS and 4.1 million people were newly infected by the virus.

In developing countries, 6.8 million people infected by the virus need to be processed and only 24% of them have access to antiretroviral treatment, against 7% in 2003. Among the 800 000 children below 15 years infected by HIV in 2005, only 8 to 13% of them receive treatment. The covers anti-retroviral treatment vary according to regions of the globe: 75% of people infected and require treatment are actually treated in Latin America and the Caribbean, 23% in countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, 16% the countries of South Asia, East and South-East, 13% in the countries of Europe and Central Asia, 5% in the countries of North Africa and the Middle East.
In France, according to the latest report of Experts in June 2006 asked by the Ministry of Health, since the epidemic began around the 1980s until 30 June 2005 the number of AIDS cases is estimated at 60 and 212 26 239 are survivors.  After peaking in 1994, the number of new cases gradually decreases.
Between 2003 and 2005, more than 12 655 notifications of HIV infection are reported (including approximately 9000 discovery of HIV. Sex is the main mode of contamination in 2004: 54% heterosexual, homosexual 24%, 11% of injecting drug users and is not known how contamination among others.

These are women of Saharan origin who are most frequently affected. Among heterosexual couples contamination occurs, most often while the couple is stable and that a partner does not know that he is HIV positive.
While the transmission of HIV as a result of injection drug used contaminated equipment is falling. In recent years, the frequency of HIV transmission among men who have sex with is worrying. The easing in homosexual behavior is a fact. The HIV status of women is discovered earlier than men, thanks to more regular medical monitoring and the onset of pregnancy, which makes them see.
The diagnosis of AIDS disease is often asked when people do not know they were HIV positive and therapeutic care is so late, they are more often men who fall into this scenario. It goes without saying that prevention and health education among the general public are essential to imagine reversing the AIDS epidemic and reduce the number of people infected. The communication must not falter, it is essential to repeat tirelessly prevention messages and use of condoms in sexual relationships and to encourage screening. The education of adolescents must be done before the onset of sexual activity.  The use of combination antiretroviral assets can control the virus and delaying the disease. There has been a significant drop in mortality linked to AIDS. However, the population infected by the AIDS virus is getting older and it appears diseases as varied as a result of natural aging patients the side effects of treatment and the development of the infection itself.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is an infectious disease, viral chronic, characterized by declining defenses of the body. This leads to the emergence of opportunistic diseases, which are so called because they benefit from the progressive inability of a sick person to defend themselves in order to develop these opportunistic diseases are represented by certain infections or cancers, which will weaken further the agency reached. The virus responsible for AIDS disease is called the AIDS virus or HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
What characterizes this infection is that it moves silently on a chronic: a person with HIV is not the disease AIDS immediately, it may take several years before the disease does occur. HIV infection is contagious, even when the infected person is not ill, it can transmit the virus. Transmission is a human being (man or woman) to another human being (man or woman), mostly on the occasion of unprotected sex with an infected partner.
Therefore, it is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The only means of prevention is the protection of partners during sex with condoms when you do not know their HIV status and that of his partner, if condoms are not used, we talk about relative to risk.
A pregnant woman infected with HIV can transmit the virus to the child she is carrying. The transmission can be done by blood, mostly by sharing a syringe contaminated.
If a person has been infected by the AIDS virus, the virus is present in his body and will be HIV-positive vis-à-vis the virus, ie it has produced antibodies against the virus, HIV.
As long as a body has not been in contact with the AIDS virus, it will be HIV-negative. A person infected with the AIDS virus, introducing the disease AIDS or not, treated or not, must be monitored regularly by a doctor. Today through research, new drugs have been on the market, therapeutic protocols were refined. The triple therapy, ie the combination of 3 drugs prescribed simultaneously, as recommended by the experts can reverse the disease AIDS, HIV infection has become a chronic condition. The global AIDS epidemic began in the eighty years. Today, almost 40 million people are infected: homosexual, heterosexual men, women and children. Millions have already dead. Many children are orphans of father, mother or both, died of AIDS. Almost one million are infected.
The African region sub-Saharan Africa is particularly affected.