Infection · UKMLA & AKT
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- HIV is an RNA retrovirus targeting CD4 T-lymphocytes (via CD4 receptor + CCR5/CXCR4 co-receptor), causing progressive immunodeficiency
- Normal CD4 count 500-1500 cells/mm³; falling CD4 drives predictable opportunistic infections
- HIV-1 = predominant global strain; HIV-2 = less virulent, mainly West Africa
- ~100,000 living with HIV in UK; ~1 in 8 undiagnosed; MSM = largest group of new diagnoses
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