Infection · UKMLA & AKT
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
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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