Disease Investigation Assignment (35 pts)

There is much information on infectious diseases on the Internet, particularly on the CDC
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) web sites.
Web searches will also uncover web sites for companies with newly developed diagnostic tests
for infectious diseases. As an assignment, fill out the disease table below. Be careful to
distinguish between good and bad information, e.g., is the test proven or does it contain correct
information about medical issues? Remember, there are NO controlling agencies to prevent
spurious information from being posted on the web.
The outline below will help you to organize your thoughts, but the assignment is to be written in
report format. Please use either Times New Roman or Book Antiqua in 11 or 12 pt font, double
spaced. The paper should include an introduction, body, and conclusion. I am looking for
laboratory-based details, so you need to include the type(s) of diagnostic tests available and the
significance of under-diagnosis.
You should choose a disease that is of immunologic/serologic significance to write about. Some
examples:

 Coccidioidomycosis
 HIV
 HBV
 CMV
 Ebola
 Brucellosis
 E-coli O157:H7
 Salmonella
 Autoimmune disease
If you go to the CDC or WHO websites, there are usually infectious diseases that are significant
worldwide. Also, you can choose a disease that is significant to the food or livestock industries.
Be sure to include your references and do not use Wikipedia.
If you want to cover a disease that I did not list, contact me with your choice and I’ll let you
know if it is appropriate.
 Disease Investigation Assignment (35 pts)

Fill in the outline with disease information.

Disease or Disease Name: __________HIV___________________________________________

Name of The pathogen responsible for causing HIV/AIDS is the Human

Pathogen Immunodeficiency Virus, which is commonly referred to as HIV. There are two
main types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2, with HIV-1 being the most prevalent and
the primary cause of the global HIV pandemic (Dillon & Wilson, 2023).
Type of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a type of virus. It is not classified as
Organism an organism because it lacks the characteristics of a living organism, such as the
ability to reproduce on its own or carry out metabolic processes. Instead, it is a
small infectious agent that relies on host cells, particularly human CD4 cells, to
replicate and propagate.
Infectious HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the infectious agent responsible for
Agent causing AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV is a retrovirus,
specifically an RNA virus, that infects and damages the immune system,
primarily targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for the body’s immune
response. HIV can be transmitted through certain bodily fluids, such as blood,
semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk, and it is typically
transmitted through sexual contact, sharing of needles, or from mother to child
during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Method of HIV is primarily spread through the exchange of certain bodily fluids containing
Spread the virus. The most common modes of transmission include unprotected sexual
intercourse with an infected partner, sharing of needles or syringes contaminated
with infected blood, and from an HIV-positive mother to her child during
childbirth or breastfeeding (Broyles et al., 2023). It can also be transmitted
through contact with contaminated blood, such as in healthcare settings, or
through organ transplantation from an infected donor. It’s important to note that
HIV is not spread through casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing
utensils, and it cannot be transmitted through air, water, or insect bites.
Preventive measures, such as practicing safe sex, using clean needles, and
getting regular HIV testing, are crucial for reducing the risk of transmission.
Incubation The incubation period for HIV, which is the time between initial infection with
period the virus and the appearance of detectable symptoms or signs, can vary from
person to person. On average, it can take several weeks to a few months for
most people to develop symptoms after becoming infected with HIV. However,
some individuals may remain asymptomatic (without symptoms) for many years
while still carrying the virus. It is important to note that HIV can be present and
transmissible during the asymptomatic stage, which is why early testing and
diagnosis are crucial for effective management and prevention of transmission
(Yoshimura, 2017).
Symptoms The symptoms of HIV can vary depending on the stage of the infection. In the
early stage, known as acute HIV infection, some individuals may experience flu-
like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash.
However, many people with HIV do not have noticeable symptoms during this
stage. As the virus progresses and weakens the immune system over time, more
severe symptoms can develop, which may include recurring infections,
 Disease Investigation Assignment (35 pts)

persistent diarrhea, weight loss, and oral or genital sores (Moss, 2013). If HIV
progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the symptoms can
become more severe and life-threatening, including opportunistic infections and
certain cancers. It’s important to remember that not everyone with HIV will
experience the same symptoms, and some individuals may remain asymptomatic
for a long time, which is why regular testing and medical care are essential for
managing the virus effectively.
Infectivity The infectivity of HIV can vary depending on several factors, including the viral
load (the amount of virus in the bloodstream) of the infected individual, the
stage of HIV infection, and the type of exposure. HIV is most infectious during
the acute phase of infection when the viral load is typically high, but it remains
transmissible throughout the course of the disease. It is most commonly spread
through sexual contact (especially unprotected sex), sharing needles or syringes
with an infected person, and from mother to child during childbirth or
breastfeeding (Zelikin & Stellacci,. 2021) While the risk of transmission can be
reduced with preventive measures such as condom use, needle exchange
programs, and antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV remains a significant global
public health concern, and education and prevention efforts are crucial in
controlling its spread.
Diagnosis Diagnosis of HIV involves several tests. The most common initial test is an HIV
(tests) antibody test, which detects antibodies produced by the immune system in
response to the virus. A positive result on this test is typically followed by a
confirmatory test, such as a Western blot or an HIV nucleic acid test (NAT), to
ensure accuracy. In recent years, rapid HIV tests that provide results in minutes
have become more widely available (Croxford et al., 2022). Additionally, point-
of-care tests, which can be performed outside of a traditional healthcare setting,
have also gained popularity. Regular testing is important, especially for
individuals at higher risk of HIV infection, and early diagnosis allows for timely
initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which can effectively manage the
virus and improve long-term health outcomes while reducing the risk of
transmission.
Treatment The primary treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy (ART), which consists
of a combination of medications that target the virus at different stages of its life
cycle. ART is highly effective at suppressing the replication of HIV in the body,
reducing the viral load to undetectable levels in the blood (Back & Marzolini,
2020). This not only helps people with HIV live healthier and longer lives but
also significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Treatment
is typically lifelong, and adherence to the prescribed medication regimen is
essential. Regular medical monitoring is necessary to assess the viral load,
immune function, and potential side effects of the medications (Back &
Marzolini, 2020). While ART does not cure HIV, it allows individuals to
manage the virus and maintain a good quality of life, making it a crucial
component of HIV care and prevention efforts.
Mortality HIV-related mortality has significantly decreased since the introduction of
antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the mid-1990s (Frank et al., 2019). With proper
access to and adherence to ART, many people with HIV can live long and
 Disease Investigation Assignment (35 pts)

relatively healthy lives. However, without treatment, HIV infection can progress
to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), leading to severe immune
system damage and increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections and
certain cancers. Prior to widespread access to ART, AIDS-related illnesses were
a leading cause of death globally (Laher et al., 2021). While treatment has
transformed the outlook for those with HIV, it’s essential to recognize that HIV
remains a serious health concern, particularly in regions with limited access to
healthcare and antiretroviral medications. Early diagnosis, prompt initiation of
treatment, and continued medical care are vital in reducing HIV-related
mortality.
History as HIV, as a pathogen, has a relatively recent history in the context of infectious
a Pathogen diseases. It was first identified in the early 1980s, initially referred to as GRID
(Gay-Related Immune Deficiency) due to its early association with the gay
community (Fauci & Lane, 2020). Later, it was renamed HIV when it became
evident that the virus could infect people of all sexual orientations and
transmission routes. The virus is believed to have originated from simian
immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in non-human primates in Central and West
Africa, and it likely crossed over to humans through the hunting or consumption
of bushmeat (Parry, 2020). The emergence of HIV as a global pandemic led to
extensive research, awareness campaigns, and the development of antiretroviral
therapies, significantly changing the trajectory of the virus from a near-certain
death sentence to a manageable chronic condition for many individuals, albeit
with ongoing public health challenges and disparities in access to treatment and
prevention measures.
 Disease Investigation Assignment (35 pts)

References
Back, D., & Marzolini, C. (2020). The challenge of HIV treatment in an era of
polypharmacy. Journal of the International AIDS Society, 23(2), e25449.
Croxford, S., Stengaard, A. R., Brännström, J., Combs, L., Dedes, N., Girardi, E., ... &
EuroTEST HIV Late Diagnosis Definition Working Group. (2022). Late diagnosis of
HIV: an updated consensus definition. HIV medicine, 23(11), 1202-1208.
Broyles, L. N., Luo, R., Boeras, D., & Vojnov, L. (2023). The risk of sexual transmission of HIV
in individuals with low-level HIV viraemia: a systematic review. The Lancet.
Dillon, S. M., & Wilson, C. C. (2021). Gut innate immunity and HIV pathogenesis. Current
HIV/AIDS Reports, 18, 128-138.
Fauci, A. S., & Lane, H. C. (2020). Four decades of HIV/AIDS—much accomplished, much to
do. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(1), 1-4.
Frank, T. D., Carter, A., Jahagirdar, D., Biehl, M. H., Douwes-Schultz, D., Larson, S. L., ... &
Hosseinzadeh, M. (2019). Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and
mortality of HIV, 1980–2017, and forecasts to 2030, for 195 countries and territories: a
systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study
2017. The lancet HIV, 6(12), e831-e859.
Laher, A. E., Paruk, F., Venter, W. D., Ayeni, O. A., & Richards, G. A. (2021). Predictors of in‐
hospital mortality among HIV‐positive patients presenting with an acute illness to the
emergency department. HIV medicine, 22(7), 557-566.
Moss, J. A. (2013). HIV/AIDS Review. Radiologic technology, 84(3), 247-267.
Parry, M. S. (2020). Public health heritage and policy: HIV and AIDS in museums and
archives. História, ciências, saúde-Manguinhos, 27, 253-262.
Yoshimura, K. (2017). Current status of HIV/AIDS in the ART era. Journal of Infection and
Chemotherapy, 23(1), 12-16.
Zelikin, A. N., & Stellacci, F. (2021). Broad‐spectrum antiviral agents based on multivalent
inhibitors of viral infectivity. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 10(6), 2001433.