HIV And Infections Of The Central Nervous System
Go to: Previous Article Next Article
HIV is a virus that has affected and infected many people around the world. We all know that the consequences of being infected with this virus are far reaching. One of the side effects of being infected with HIV is that it makes it easier for other viruses and bacteria to get a hold in your system. It has been found that infections of the central nervous system are particularly prevalent among those infected with HIV.
Overall, the expected survival rate of those infected with HIV has increased phenomenally as a result of the advancements of antiretroviral treatment options. Moreover, there are now a number of different treatment options available. However, it has become increasingly evident that other factors are causing problems. These other factors consist primarily of Hepatitis C, malnutrition and accelerated aging with accelerated cardiovascular disease. There is evidence that these additional factors have led to an increased prevalence of neurological problems.
It is unfortunate that a large number of these opportunistic central nervous system infections which appear to affect people infected with HIV have a very high mortality rate if they are not treated early enough. These infections include; progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), CNS cytomegalovirus, CNS tuberculosis, cryptococcal meningitis, and cerebral toxoplasmosis and includes toxo plasmic encephalitis. Fortunately for those infected with HIV, these opportunistic infections and conditions are treatable but it is necessary for them to be detected and treatment started as early as possible for the treatment to be effective and leave no long lasting damage. However, catching these opportunistic infections early enough can be a huge challenge for medical professionals.
The early detection and treatment of these conditions is challenging as a large number of the infected individuals are to be found in sub-Saharan Africa. These countries are often war-torn and do not have the public health systems and supplies to diagnose and treat the conditions, added to which, more people are becoming infected on a daily basis. Despite a decline in the infection rate of nineteen percent since the peak of the epidemic, 2.6 million new HIV infections were reported in 2009. This is an extremely high rate of infection and it is a condition that is difficult to contain as it depends a great deal on the cooperation of the infected individuals to contain it. As such, more and more people are at risk each year.
An infection of the central nervous system is not something to be taken lightly. Even the mildest of infections can leave scars that will affect the individual for the rest of their life, with some scars more devastating than others. The battle against HIV and its co-morbid conditions is one that is ongoing with no real end in sight. The biggest problem that is faced by health officials is the availability of treatment in the third world and the war torn countries that are most heavily affected by the pandemic. The good news is that if you do get treatment your chances of surviving a central nervous system infection are high.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
- Get Fit the healthy way tons of honest tips and tricks to lead a healthier life, also in progress a guide on how to stop smoking -
Word Count: 512
Reduce Your Debts Without Bankruptcy. See How Much You Can Save. Free Debt Analysis
