The origin of HIV has baffled scientists, clinicians, and HIV clinic Singapore since its discovery in the early 1980s. Despite advances in HIV test algorithms and microbiology, no one knows for certain how HIV came about. But of course, the patient seeking HIV test Singapore might decide to strike up a conversation with the attending physician concerning its mysterious origins.
Conspiracy theories and UFOlogists all vie for the centre stage when it comes to seeking the media attention and perceived credibility. In one report, an alleged alien abductee salvaged a single blonde hair from the female alien abductor. DNA analysis of the alien hair sample found two deleted genes for the CCR-5 protein. One theory suggests that this gene deletion has been implicated in AIDS resistance. Hence, the theorist proposed that there could be an extraterrestrial origin for the HIV virus. In any case, this is a classic cum hoc ergo propter hoc logical fallacy. For example, children with bigger shoe sizes were found to have better handwriting. It is fallacious, therefore, to conclude that bigger feet enabled a child to have better writing. It is more likely that the child with bigger feet is older, and hence, more developed in biological and neurological maturity. This explains the better writing compared to the handwriting of a younger child with smaller feet. The presence of the two gene deletions for CCR-5 protein does not imply causation or similarities of origin, but could simply be a mere coincidence.
The origin of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) was eventually traced to a virus found in chimpanzees – the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV). Both the HIV and SIV are lentiviruses, meaning “slow virus,” because they take a long time to develop serious adverse effects in the body of the host. Of course, conspiracy theorists are quick to jump in and declare that HIV was man-made, a virus derived from SIV to wipe out large populations of the human race. But whether Transformers, Pokémon, or the girl next door originally transmitted the HIV virus, it is more important for us to realize that HIV infection has now become a chronic, manageable disease. Although an HIV infection is incurable, it is manageable and preventable. It is therefore sensible to seek HIV test Singapore to know your HIV status, the sooner the better.
The CDC has estimated that more than 1.2 million people in the United States alone has HIV infection. The number has increased all over the world, including Singapore, partially due to enhanced HIV test Singapore and better treatment and antiretroviral drugs. These lead to increased numbers being diagnosed, as well as a better prognosis and longer lifespan.
Transmission of HIV
The most common mode of transmission is sexual contact. At least three quarters of HIV-infected patients acquired it from sexual intercourse. One can contract HIV from a single encounter, or only after years of exposure. Thus, the rate of HIV transmission is really variable. The HIV negative partner in HIV-serodiscordant couples has been known to be HIV-free for many years even with unprotected intercourse.
Many factors influence the transmission rate of HIV from the body’s mucosal surfaces (for example, the oral, genital, and rectal tract). The concentration of HIV in genital secretions, and the susceptibility of the exposed partner, are two major considerations. Generally, HIV is present in the rectal secretions and genital tracts of HIV-seropositive patients. In women, it has been shown that the concentrations of HIV in the endocervix is approximately 3 times higher than in the vaginal canal. In men, sperm cells do not appear to have any major role in HIV transmissions. Rectal secretions have a significantly higher level of HIV concentration, sometimes even higher than levels found in blood and seminal fluid. That is the reason why anal intercourse carries with it a much higher HIV transmission risk.
Among the various sexual practices worldwide, vaginal intercourse is the dominant mode of HIV transmission. It is, however, not the most efficient mode of transmission. The risk of transmission is highest via anal intercourse. The sharing of needles with intravenous drug usage also carries with it a high risk of HIV transmission. HIV can also be transmitted from mother to child during labor, delivery, and postnatally by breastfeeding.
The acquisition of inflammatory STDs generally increases the risk of HIV acquisition in the exposed partner. Likewise, inflammatory STDs can also increase transmission rates of HIV to the HIV-negative partner. Non-inflammatory STDs such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and bacterial vaginosis seem to increase the risk of HIV transmission as well. Due to the high prevalence of human simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) infection in many populations, it appears that HSV-2 – out of all the STDs – has the greatest influence on population level HIV transmission.
In large randomized controlled trials held in South Africa, male circumcision appears to reduce the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infections in sexually active adult men. Even the World Health Organization recommends male circumcision as an effective medical procedure for HIV prevention and risk reduction, especially in regions with heterosexual HIV epidemics, low rates of male circumcision and high HIV prevalence. This doesn’t mean that every post-pubertal, virile male should book himself into the operative theatre and get circumcised immediately. Consult your Family Physician concerning an appropriate HIV test in Singapore HIV clinic. Know your HIV status first.
In the sexual transmission of HIV, penile-vaginal and penile-anal transmissions account for the majority of cases. HIV is not efficiently transmitted via oral-genital exposure. There is, however, a small risk in fellatio for the oral-receptive partner. Transmission by kissing is possible, but occurs rarely. The proper and correct usage of condoms greatly reduces the risk of HIV acquisition.
Prevention of HIV
Prevention is the fundamental strategy in combating HIV infection and AIDS. As with most STDs, complete abstinence and mutual monogamy with a single HIV-seronegative partner are the most reliable methods to avoid contracting the dreaded HIV. Barrier methods such as condoms can also be used to greatly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Latex condoms for males, or polyurethane condoms for those with latex allergy, are both effective means of protection. Condoms have to be used consistently and correctly for appropriate protection against HIV. Condom slippage or breakage can subject the patient to unnecessary risks. The female condom (for women) is also protective against HIV transmission, and it is less likely to break or leak when compared to the male counterpart.
In July 2012, the antiretroviral agent Truvada was approved by the FDA for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Truvada reduces the risk of contracting HIV in serodiscordant couples. It was approved for use in individuals with a high risk of HIV infection, and also in HIV-seronegative individuals who engage in sexual intercourse with HIV-positive partners. Combined with the use of condoms, Truvada has been shown to reduce HIV infection risk by about 75 percent in heterosexual individuals.
Patients are encouraged to consult their physicians concerning HIV test Singapore. Depending upon the time of your exposure, a particular HIV test would be recommended for HIV screening and testing. Our Family Physician would furnish you with a private, confidential, and discreet consultation.
