KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA

AMBERNATH

BIOLOGY INVESTIGATORY
PROJECT
SESSION:2022-23
AIDS
 CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that ROHIT SIHRA of Class- XII,
Section- ‘B’ has successfully completed the Biology
Investigatory project entitled. “Acquired Immuno
Deficiency Syndrome - AIDS” This report is the result of
My Endeavours and research. It is finalized under The
guidance and supervision in the academic Year 2022-
2023 by MRS.SHRADDHA PANDEY Submitted for CBSE
Examination held in Biology Lab at KENDRIYA
VIDYALAYA AMBERNATH.

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the accomplishment of this project successfully many
people have bestowed on me their blessings and their
Immense support. I would like to express my special
thanks of gratitude to my Teacher MRS.SHRADDHA
PANDEY as well as our principal Mr.DEEPAK SINGH
BHATI who gave me the golden opportunity to do this
wonderful project on the topic “Acquired Immuno
Deficiency Syndrome - AIDS” Which also helped me in
doing a lot of research and I came to know about so
many new things. Secondly I would also like to thank
my parents and my Friends who helped me a lot in
finalizing this project within the given time. I would like
to thank all the people who had helped me directly or
indirectly during the completion of this project.

NAME- ROHIT SIHRA

CLASS-XII ‘B’
 CONTENT
• AIDS
• Causes of AIDS
• Symptoms of HIV- AIDS
• Diagnose of AIDS
• Treatment of HIV- AIDS
• Recent development in AIDS Treatment
• HIV Prevention
• Conclusion
• Hypothesis
• Bibliography
 AIDS
AIDS: Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome AIDS
(Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or
acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a
syndrome caused by a virus called HIV (Human
Immuno deficiency Virus).The illness alters the
immune system, making people much more
vulnerable to infections and diseases. This
susceptibility worsens as the syndrome progresses.
HIV is found in the body fluids of an infected
person (semen and vaginal fluids, blood and breast
milk). The virus is passed from one person to
another through blood to- blood and sexual
contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can
pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy,
delivering the baby during childbirth, and through
breast feeding. HIV can be transmitted in many
ways, such as vaginal, oral sex, anal sex, blood
transfusion, and contaminated hypodermic
needles.
Both the virus and the syndrome are often
referred to together as HIV/AIDS. People with HIV
have what is called HIV infection. As a result, some
will then develop AIDS. The development of
numerous opportunistic infections in an AIDS
patient can ultimately lead to death. According to
research, the origins of HIV date back to the late
nineteenth or early twentieth century in west-
central Africa. AIDS and its cause, HIV, were first
identified and recognized in the early 1980s. There
is currently no cure for HIV or AIDS. Treatments
can slow the course of the condition – some
infected people can live a long and relatively
healthy life.
• HIV is the virus which attacks the T-cells in the
immune system.
• AIDS is the syndrome which appears in
advanced stages of HIV infection.
 • HIV is a virus.
• AIDS is a medical condition
HIV infection causes AIDS to develop. However, it
is possible to be infected with HIV without
developing AIDS. Without treatment, the HIV
infection is allowed to progress and eventually it
will develop into AIDS in the vast majority of cases.
HIV testing can identify infection in the early
stages. This allows the patient to use prophylactic
(preventive) drugs which will slow the rate at
which the virus replicates, delaying the onset of
AIDS. AIDS patients still have the HIV virus and are
still infectious. Someone with AIDS can pass HIV to
someone else.

CAUSE OF HIV/AIDS
HIV is a retrovirus that infects the vital organs of
the human immune system. The virus progresses
in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. The rate
of virus progression varies widely between
individuals and depends on many factors (age of
the patient, body's ability to defend against HIV,
access to health care, existence of coexisting
infections, the infected person's genetic
inheritance, resistance to certain strains of HIV).
HIV CAN BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH
Sexual Transmission: It can happen when there is
contact with infected sexual secretions (rectal,
genital or oral mucous membranes). This can
happen while having unprotected sex, including
vaginal, oral and anal sex or sharing sex toys with
someone infected with HIV.
Prenatal Transmission: The mother can pass the
infection on to her child during childbirth,
pregnancy, and also through breastfeeding.
Blood Transmission: The risk of transmitting HIV
through blood transfusion is nowadays extremely
low in developed countries, thanks to meticulous
screening and precautions. Among drug users,
sharing and reusing syringes contaminated with
HIV-infected blood is extremely hazardous.

SYMPTOMS OF HIV AND AIDS

A sign is something other people, apart from the
patient can detect, such as a swelling, rash, or
change in skin Colour. A symptom is something
only the patient feels and describes, such as a
headache, fatigue, or dizziness. For the most part,
the symptoms of HIV are the result of infections
caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
These conditions do not normally develop in
individuals with healthy immune systems, which
protect the body against infection.

SYMPTOMS OF EARLY HIV INFECTION

Many people with HIV have no symptoms for
several years. Others may develop symptoms
similar to flu, usually two to six weeks after
catching the virus. The symptoms can last up to
four weeks. Symptoms of early HIV infection may
include:
• Fever
 • Chills
• Joint pain
• Muscle ache
• Sore throat
• Sweats (particularly at night)
• Enlarged glands
• A red rash
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Weight loss
ASYMPTOMATIC HIV INFECTION
In many cases, after the initial symptoms
disappear, there will not be any further symptoms
for many years. During this time, the virus carries
on developing and damages the immune system.
This process can take up to 10 years. The infected
person will experience no symptoms, feel well and
appear healthy.
LATE-STAGE HIV INFECTION
If left untreated, HIV weakens the ability to fight
infection. The person becomes vulnerable to
serious illnesses. This stage of infection is known
as AIDS.
Symptoms of late-stage HIV infection may include:
• Blurred Vision
• Diarrhoea, which is usually persistent or
chronic
• Dry cough
• Fever of above 37℃ lasting for weeks
• Night sweats
• Permanent tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen glands lasting for weeks
• Weight loss
• White spots on the tongue or mouth
During late-stage HIV infection, the risk of
developing a life-threatening illness is much
greater.
Examples include:
• Esophagitis (an inflammation of the lining of
the lower end of the oesophagus)
• Infections to the nervous system (acute aseptic
meningitis, sub-acute encephalitis, peripheral
neuropathy)
• Pneumonia
Some cancers, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, invasive
cervical cancer, lung cancer, rectal carcinomas,
hepatocellular carcinomas, head and neck cancers,
cancers of the immune system known as
lymphomas.
• Toxoplasmosis (a disease caused by a parasite
that infects the brain. It can also cause disease
in the eyes and lungs)
• Tuberculosis
 • Life-threatening illnesses may be controlled
and treated with proper HIV treatment.
DIAGNOSIS OF HIV/AIDS
A 2011 report issued by the CDC (Centres for
Disease Control and Prevention), USA, found that
about 1 in every 5 HIV-positive Americans is
unaware of their HIV-status, and only 49% of those
who are aware receive ongoing medical care and
treatment.
 BLOOD TESTS
Diagnosis is made through a blood test that
screens specifically for the virus. If the HIV virus
has been found, the test result is "positive". The
blood is retested several times before a positive
result is given to the patient. For those whose tests
came back positive,
they will be asked to
undergo some other
tests to see how the
infection has
progressed, and also
to decide when to
start treatment. If a person has been exposed to
the virus, it is crucial that they get tested as soon
as possible. The earlier HIV is detected, the more
likely the treatment will be successful. Also,
precautions can be taken to prevent the virus from
spreading to other people.
 ELISA TEST
An enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay, also
called ELISA or EIA, is a test that detects and
measures antibodies in your blood. This test can
be used to determine if you have antibodies
related to certain infectious conditions. Antibodies
are proteins that your body produces in response
to harmful substances called antigens. An ELISA
test may be used to diagnose:
HIV, which causes AIDS
Lyme Disease
Pernicious Anaemia
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Rotavirus
Squamous cell carcinoma
Syphilis
Toxoplasmosis
Varicella-zoster virus, which causes chicken pox
and shingles ELISA is often used as a screening tool
before more in-depth tests are ordered. A doctor
may suggest this test if you’re having signs or
symptoms of the conditions above or your doctor
wants to rule out any of these conditions.
 HOW THE TEST PERFORMED
The ELISA test is simple and straight forward.
You’ll probably need to sign a consent form, and
your doctor should explain the reason for doing
the test. The ELISA test involves taking a sample of
your blood. First, a healthcare provider will cleanse
your arm with an antiseptic. Then, a tourniquet, or
band, will be applied around your arm to create
pressure and cause your veins to swell with blood.
Next, a needle will be placed in one of your veins
to draw a small sample of blood. When enough
blood has been collected, the needle will be
removed and a small bandage will be placed on
your arm where the needle was. You'll be asked to
elevate your arm and place pressure on it with
gauze to reduce blood flow. This procedure should
be relatively painless, but your arm may throb a
little after the procedure. The blood sample will be
sent to a laboratory for analysis. In the lab, a
technician adds the sample to a Petri dish
containing the specific antigen related to the
condition for which you are being tested. If your
blood contains antibodies to the antigen, the two
will bind together. The technician will check this by
adding an enzyme to the Petri dish and observing
how your blood and the antigen react. You may
have the condition if the contents of the dish
change Colour. How much change the enzyme
causes allows the technician to. Determine the
presence and amount of antibody.
ULTRA-SENSITIVE HIV SENSOR
Scientists from Imperial College London reported
in Nature Nanotechnology (October 2012 issue)
that they have developed an extremely sensitive
sensor that detects viral infections, including HIV.
They say the sensor is ten times more sensitive at
detecting an HIV biomarker that anything else on
the market today; it is also extremely cheap. The
doctor can see the results by looking at the Colour
change in a liquid solution.
RECENT DEVELOPMENT ON HIV
Genetic changes identified that make HIV elusive to
drug: Scientists have identified two locations
where slight differences in genetic code can
change the way human immunodeficiency virus
infects cells – a change associated with worsening
symptoms and resistance to antiretroviral drugs.
Scripps team lays 'spectacular' foundations for HIV
vaccine: "A leap forward" has been made to
develop a vaccine against HIV, claim the authors of
two new studies that are published concurrently in
the journals Cell and Science.
Latent HIV cells only 'wake up' once a week after
antiretroviral therapy, study finds: A new study
published in PLOS Pathogens provides new insight
into how often HIV cells "wake up" among
individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy for
the virus, bringing researchers one step closer to
getting patients off the treatment for good and
into remission.
Vaginal ring reduces risk of HIV by up to 61%: A
vaginal ring can safely provide some protection
against HIV infection by continuously releasing an
experimental antiretroviral drug, say findings
published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
TREATMENTS OF HIV/AIDS
Earlier HIV antiretroviral treatment is crucial: It
improves quality of life, extends life expectancy
and reduces the risk of transmission, according to
the World Health Organization's guidelines issued
in June 2013. When an HIV-positive adult's 𝑪𝑫𝟒
cell count is 500 cells/𝒎𝒎𝟑 or lower they should
start treatment immediately.
According to Margaret Chan, WHO Director-
General "These guidelines represent another leap
ahead in a trend of ever-higher goals and ever
greater achievements. With nearly 10 million
people now on antiretroviral therapy, we see that
such prospects - unthinkable just a few years ago –
can now fuel the momentum needed to push the
HIV epidemic into irreversible decline."
Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS.
But treatments have evolved which are much
more efficacious - they can improve patients'
general health and quality of life considerably.

EMERGENCY HIV PILLS

If an individual believes they have been exposed
to the virus within the last 72 hours (three days),
anti-HIV medication, called PEP (Post-Exposure
Prophylaxis) may stop infection. The treatment
should be taken as soon as possible after contact
with the virus. PEP is a very
demanding treatment
lasting four weeks. It is also
associated with unpleasant
side effects (Diarrhoea,
Malaria, Nausea, Weakness
and Fatigue). After a positive HIV diagnosis,
regular blood tests are necessary to monitor the
progress of the virus before starting treatment.
The therapy is designed to reduce the level of HIV
in the blood.
ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS
HIV is treated with antiretroviral (ARVs). The
treatment fights the HIV infection and slows down
the spread of the virus in the body. Generally,
patients take a combination of medications called
HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy).
The combination of drugs is adapted to each
individual. HIV treatment is usually permanent and
lifelong. HIV treatment is based on routine dosage.
Pills must be taken on a regular schedule, every
time. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue,
diarrhea, skin rashes, moodiness, alterations to
the adipose (fat) tissue, birth defects.
Antifungal cream Ciclopirox may help eradicate
HIV: Researchers at the Rutgers New Jersey
Medical School reported in the journal PLOS ONE
that Ciclopirox, a widely used antifungal cream, as
well as Deferiprone, a medication used to remove
excess iron from the body, eradicate HIV in
cultured cells. They added that when treatment
stops, the virus does not return.
COMPLEMENTARY OR ALTERNATIVE
MEDICINE
Although widely used, alternative/complementary
medications, such has herbal ones, have not been
proven to be effective or ineffective. According to
some limited studies, mineral or vitamin
supplements may provide some benefits. Patients
are urged to discuss these options with their
doctors.
New clue towards an AIDS vaccine: The outer shell
of HIV has a vulnerable spot, which enabled two
HIV- positive people to make antibodies powerful
enough to kill off the majority of HIV types known
globally. A glycan, a form of
sugar, in a specific part on the
protein coat that covers HIV
(location known as "position
332") is a vulnerable spot that
allows the body to mount an
effective attack using broadly neutralizing
antibodies. The scientists, from the University of
the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,
said their discovery offers new clues about
stimulating the body to produce "broadly
neutralizing antibodies". They believe these
antibodies are key for making an AIDS vaccine,
because they destroy most of the HIV types
around the world. They published their findings in
Nature Medicine (21 October, 2012 issue).
April 2013 - A step closer to an HIV vaccine: A team
led by scientists from the Duke Human Vaccine
Institute, and the NIH accine Research Center say
they have charted a new route that may help
develop a vaccine which boosts an individual's
ability to destroy HIV. They published their
findings in the journal Nature (April 2013 issue).
Barton F. Haynes, M.D., John Mascola, M.D. and
team studied an HIV infected patient whose
immune system attacked the virus, allowing them
to describe the co-evolution of the antibodies. HIV
has proven especially difficult in inducing an
antibody response, making it very hard to develop
a vaccine. As soon as HIV antibodies are produced,
the virus changes rapidly to avoid them. The team
used a new form of technology that can detect
infection early on and track the body's immune
system.
RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN HIV TREATMENT
New drugs reawaken latent HIV to eradicate virus:
A new study suggests a class of drugs already being
tested in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer
may also hold the key to complete eradication of
HIV.
Alcoholism drug could help cure HIV, study finds: A
drug used to treat alcoholism - called Disulfiram -
could bring us closer to a cure for HIV, according to
the results of a new study led by researchers from
the University of Melbourne in Australia.

HIV vaccine possibility following study of

'antibodies with loops’: A new study suggests it
may be possible to induce a rapid anti-HIV immune
response in unexposed people by developing a
vaccine that triggers antibodies containing loop-
like structures.
HIV antibody therapy looks promising: A new
study of the effects of a new antibody treatment
suggests it may offer a long-term solution for the
control of HIV.

HIV PREVENTION
To prevent being infected with HIV, healthcare
Professionals advice precautions related to:
Unprotected Sex: Having sex without a condom
can put a person at risk of being infected with HIV
and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
HIV can be spread by having unprotected sex
(vaginal, oral and anal sex). It can also be caught
from sharing sex toys with someone infected with
HIV.
Drug Abuse and Needle Sharing: Intravenous drug
use is an important factor in HIV transmission in
developed countries. Sharing needles can expose
users to HIV and other viruses, such as hepatitis C.
Strategies such as needle-exchange program are
used to reduce the infections caused by drug
abuse.
Body Fluid Exposure: Exposure to HIV can be
controlled by employing precautions to reduce the
risk of exposure to contaminated blood. At all
times, health care workers should use barriers
(gloves, masks, protective eyewear, shields, and
gowns). Frequent and thorough washing of the
skin immediately after being contaminated with
blood or other bodily fluids can reduce the chance
of infection.
Pregnancy: Anti-HIV medicines can harm the
unborn child. But an effective treatment plan can
prevent HIV transmission from mother to baby.
Precautions have to be taken to protect the baby´s
health. Delivery through caesarean section may be
necessary. Breastfeeding may have to give way to
bottle- feeding if the mother is infected.
A study by scientists from Columbia University,
New York, found that breastfeeding for 6+ months
with antiretroviral therapy could help reduce
mother-to-child HIV transmission as well as
improve chances of infant's survival.
Education: Health education is an important factor
in reducing risky behavior.
Managing HIV
Adherence. HIV treatment is effective if the
patient is committed and constant in taking the
medication on time. Missing even a few doses will
jeopardize the treatment. A daily methodical
routine has to be programmed to fit the treatment
plan around the patient's lifestyle and schedule.
"Adherence" is sometimes known as
"compliance".
General Health. It is crucial for patients to take
medication correctly and take steps to avoid
illness. Patients should seek to improve their
general health and reduce the risk of falling ill by
practicing regular exercise, healthy eating, and not
smoking.
Additional precautions. HIV-infected people should
be extra cautious to prevent exposure to infection.
They should be careful around animals, avoid
coming into contact with cat litter, animal feces.
Meticulous and regular washing of hands is
recommended.
Long-term condition. HIV is a lasting condition,
and therefore patients have to be in regular
contact with their healthcare team. Treatment
plan is reviewed regularly.
Psychological. Common misconceptions about
AIDS/ HIV are diminishing. However, the stigma of
the condition persists in many parts of the world.
People infected with the virus may feel excluded,
rejected, discriminated and isolated. Being
diagnosed with HIV can be very distressing, and
feelings of anxiety or depression are common. If
you feel anxious or have symptoms of depression,
seek medical help immediately.
 CONCLUSION
After studying the cause and effects of ‘AIDS’ from
different views, we conclude that it is a pandemic
disease. It is mainly spreading sexually and person
of the age group of 25-45 years are the most
affected group. There are some methods like
‘Antiviral Therapy’ and Immuno Simulative
therapy which bring some hope that even then no
specific treatment has been found so for and
morality form is virtually 100%. So only prevention
in the test medicine care.
HYPOTHESIS
AIDS is non-curable due to its nature of pathogen.
It also damage immune system of the body.
Therefore any medicine (Antiviral) drugs are not
effective against HIV virus. Ignorance and lack of
knowledge about this disease is the root cause of
wide spread of this disease Malaria is one of the
major diseases which is caused by Protozoan.
Protozoan causes many diseases in human beings.
Malaria has been for thousands of years a very
serious disease of the tropical and temperate
regions. Prevalence of malaria continues to be one
of the major health problems of developing
countries.

It was almost eliminated a few years back with the

efforts of WHO and our National Malaria
Eradication Programme (NMEP), but unfortunately
it has appeared again. Plasmodium is a genus of
Protozoa belonging to sub-phylum Sporozoa, class
Telosporidea, includes causative agent of malaria
in man and lower animals. Members of the genus
plasmodium are collectively known as Malaria
parasite, because they cause a horrible disease
called malaria.
QUESTION RELATED TO AIDS
I. Which is the best diagnostic for AIDS
Ans. Blood tests are the most common way to
diagnose HIV.
II. Who was the first AIDS patient in India
Ans. Dr. Suniti Solomon and her student Dr.
Sellappan Nirmala
III. In which year was AIDS found in India
Ans. 1986, among Six female sex workers in
Chennai.
IV. How many AIDS patient are there in the World
Ans. 38.4 million people were living with HIV at
the end of 2021.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Parts of this project have been referred from foreign
sources and have been included in this project after
editing.
The reference of sources is as
follows:
Books:
• Biology NCERT Book class 12th
• National Geographic Magazine
Internet Sources:
www.google.com
www.wikipedia.com
www.slideshare.com
www.nationalgeographic.com