Microorganism responsible: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Means of transmission: through the blood, sperm, secretions of the genital tract and maternal milk. Vaginal, anal and oral sexual transmission. Through the blood from transfusions and infected needles. To the foetus through the milk when breast-feeding. Artificial insemination. Kidney transplant.
Incubation period: The antibodies can be detected in the blood within an average of 3 months, although they can appear within up to 6 months.
Symptoms: AIDS is preceded by HIV infection. It may not produce any symptomology until after 10 years (seropositive people who may transmit the disease). The signs and symptoms are derived from immunodeficiency (lack of defences against infections), and can be caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses, leading to a large number of illnesses.
Prevention: sexual abstinence. Monogamous practice with uninfected person. Use of condom during the entire sexual activity with anyone who may be infected (a condom for each sexual act, avoiding the use of lubricants such as creams or Vaseline). Avoid sharing needles or syringes. Avoid contact with blood from possible wounds.
Diagnosis: Blood analysis (HIV ELISA antibodies test, CD4 lymphocyte count, PCR for HIV).
Treatment: Reverse transcriptase inhibitors + viral protease inhibitors. Treatment of complications.