The genetic characteristics

People who have certain mutant genes, cells can be CD4, less vulnerable to HIV. This is due to the fact that these people on the cells lacking the so-called co receptors CXCR4 and CCR5. Both co receptors virus needs to penetrate the cell.

According to data analysis of several studies of CCR5 mutations reduces the likelihood of AIDS by 23% and the CCR2 mutation at 26%. Other studies have identified mutations that reduce the risk of developing AIDS in the 31-39%.

For example, the mutation CCR2 64I is linked to a much slower decline in immune status. Typically, this mutation occurs among Africans and Asians, rather than the Europeans. But mutation of CCR5 delta 32 Conversely distributed among northern Europeans and Scandinavians.

However, the impact of genetic mutations are much more difficult than is commonly thought. Their protective effect associated with the duration of infection, age, injecting drug use and other factors. For example, the mutation CCR2 64I can protect the body only in the early stages of HIV infection. According to some studies active injecting drug prevents certain mutations of protective action. Under the assumptions of scientists is due to the special influence of certain drugs on the immune system.

Some mutations, however, help the virus to enter cells, increasing the risk of HIV transmission and progression of infection.

The genetic characteristics can also affect the "ambassadors" of immune system - chemokinesis and cytokines, which also affects the progression of HIV infection. Studies suggest that cases of rapid progression of HIV infection associated with changes in some of the most important substances that regulate the immune system - interleukin.

There's also a link between the progress of HIV infection and genetic characteristics of antigen immune system - HLA. This antigen is liable to be inherited, and depends on it "launch" immune response. When the various mutations of the antigen likelihood of the rapid development of HIV infection can be changed six times.

Gender

According to contemporary scientific understanding sex does not affect the speed of development of HIV infection. Earlier on this issue was confusing, since some studies have shown that women with HIV progresses more rapidly. Explanation of data such research has been more than trivial - because of discrimination against women, they may be less access to health care and good medical care.

The largest study conducted in Switzerland showed that there was no difference between the progress of HIV infection in men and women. Nevertheless, against women exists and its characteristics. Women immune status begins to decline, with a little more than men's viral load. This may be relevant to the appointment of antiretroviral therapy for her, but that does not mean that HIV progresses more rapidly among women. Also for older women and drug users is characterized by a rapid decline in immune status than men.

Pregnancy

Overall the study helps firmly say that pregnancy does not lead to the progress of HIV infection. Moreover, a study in the U.S. showed that even multiple pregnancy is not associated with increased risk of AIDS.

Nevertheless, some studies that contradict. For example, according to one study, some opportunistic infections, such as bacterial pneumonia, more prevalent in women who were pregnant. But most of these characteristics are very slim. Also, there is evidence that during the 12 weeks after birth for women increased viral load, even before they have to take anti-retroviral therapy.

Meals

Known fact is that a deficit of some vitamins and minerals can lead to a deterioration in the functions of the immune system. There is evidence that the lack of vitamins A and B-12, as well as zinc associated with more rapid decline in immune status. A lack of calories and protein also associated with deterioration of the current HIV infection. Often such shortages lead to problems with digest nutrients and diarrhea.

While not known whether influence over HIV infection by certain food additives. But now we can say that a full meal, rich in proteins, as well as various vitamins and minerals - is one of the most important drugs for people living with HIV / AIDS.

Stress

Severe stress can accelerate the development of HIV infection. Frequent stressful events, such as breaking long relationship, problems at work, financial difficulties, the loss of loved one or arrest - all linked to the progress of the disease.

Strong stressful events in the two years increased the risk of HIV infection in about four times. Stress is important not only in itself. It is also important whether a person feels that he controls stress. People who feel helpless and unable to change anything more at risk of deteriorating health.

What is the "daily stress" does not affect the progression of the disease. The value is just very strong and prolonged stress. Particularly vulnerable to these people who have no social support of friends and loved ones in serious moments of life.

Psychological distress - the most severe form of stress is directly related to the development of HIV infection, but not with life. A study in the U.S. HIV-positive drug users showed that people experiencing distress, most often AIDS has already developed two years after the transmission of HIV.