In the pathogenesis mechanism, AIDS patients are caused by infecting with HIV (human immune-deficiency virus) by sexual transmission, blood donor transmission, drug abuse with contaminate syringes and mother-to-child transmission and so on. The HIV viruses can parasite in human bodies and remain non-pathogenic for certain amount of times, even as long as ten years sometimes. These humans are called HIV infectious. Gradually, HIV viruses inactivate the functions of human immune-system, especially for CD4 lymphocytes. Until the symptoms of immune deficient occur, these patients are then called AIDS patients.
AIDS patients can be treated with a series of anti-viral drugs to decrease the virus-load and slow the pace of occurrence AIDS and ameliorate the symptoms of immune deficient and prolong the lifespans of patients.
Now, a large number of AIDS patients or HIV infectious can live much longer life (approximately 10 year after first AIDS symptoms occur in patients) if they are properly treated, even achieve normal lifespans. (Da-Yong Lu, High Active Anti-retroviral Therapy for HIV/AIDS, Progresses and Drawback).
Last date updated on April, 2024