What Are The Causes Of HIV?

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD 4 cells, also known as T-helper cells. These cells are crucial for the immune system’s function, as they coordinate the body’s response to infections. When HIV infects these cells, it weakens the immune system over time, making the body vulnerable to various infections and diseases. Understanding the causes of HIV is essential for prevention and management.

Overview Of The Primary Causes Of HIV

• Sexual Transmission:
  One of the most common modes of HIV transmission is through sexual contact, particularly unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected individual. The virus can enter the body through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin during sexual activity. Factors such as multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, and engaging in high-risk sexual behaviours increase the risk of HIV transmission through sexual contact.
• Sharing Needles and Syringes:
  HIV can spread through sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment contaminated with infected blood. This mode of transmission is significant among people who inject drugs (PWID) and can occur during the injection of illegal drugs, medications, or even in healthcare settings where equipment is not adequately sterilised between uses.
• Mother-to-Child Transmission (Vertical Transmission):
  HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Without intervention, the risk of vertical transmission is around 15-45%. However, with proper medical care, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy and delivery, as well as safe infant feeding practices, the risk of transmission can be significantly reduced to less than 1%.
• Blood Transfusions and Organ Transplants:
  In the past, HIV transmission occurred through blood transfusions and organ transplants from infected donors. However, stringent screening measures and testing protocols have significantly reduced the risk of HIV transmission through these routes in countries with well-established healthcare systems.
• Occupational Exposure:
  Healthcare workers and first responders may be at risk of HIV transmission through occupational exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids. This can occur through needle-stick injuries, cuts, or contact with mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, mouth) with contaminated blood or fluids. Adhering to universal precautions, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and following proper infection control protocols minimise the risk of HIV transmission in healthcare settings.
• Non sterile Medical Procedures:
  In settings with limited resources or inadequate infection control practices, HIV transmission can occur through non sterile medical procedures involving contaminated equipment, such as syringes, surgical instruments, or dental tools. Unsafe healthcare practices contribute to the spread of HIV and other blood-borne infections, highlighting the importance of improving healthcare infrastructure and implementing universal precautions.
• Sexual Violence:
  In cases of sexual violence, such as rape or sexual assault, HIV transmission can occur if the perpetrator is HIV-positive and there is unprotected sexual contact. Survivors of sexual violence are at increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), emphasising the need for comprehensive support services, including medical care, counselling, and access to HIV prevention methods like post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
• Stigma and Discrimination:
  Although not a direct cause of HIV transmission, stigma, discrimination, and lack of awareness contribute to the spread of HIV by creating barriers to testing, treatment, and prevention services. Fear of stigma or discrimination may prevent individuals from seeking HIV testing, disclosing their HIV status, or accessing essential healthcare services, leading to increased transmission rates within communities.

HIV transmission can occur through various routes, including sexual contact, sharing needles, mother-to-child transmission, blood transfusions, occupational exposure, non sterile medical procedures, sexual violence, and societal factors like stigma and discrimination. Effective prevention strategies focus on promoting safer sexual practices, ensuring access to harm reduction services for PWID, implementing routine HIV testing and counselling, providing comprehensive healthcare for pregnant women living with HIV, improving infection control measures in healthcare settings, addressing sexual violence, and supporting survivors, and combating HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Early diagnosis, prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy, and ongoing support and care are essential for managing HIV infection and improving overall health outcomes.