Hiv Case Study Essay

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HIV Case Study
1. What is PJP?
PJP is known as Pneumocytis jiroveci and is a fungus that infects the lungs. This fungus mainly infects those with an unsubstantial immune system, in this case, HIV is the cause of a weakened immune system that allowed Pneumocytis jiroveci to infect the lungs. PJP is found in the environment and was very rare before the AIDS epidemic. The common symptoms of PJP are fever, fast breathing pattern, trouble breathing with activity, and a dry cough. PJP can be life threatening if allowed to lead to respiratory failure and progress to death, however early treatment is often effective with corticosteroids and anti-infection medications. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000671.htm
2. What is the significance of the purplish spots over K.D.’s neck and arms? …show more content…

The patient needs a skin biopsy of these spots for diagnosis. When Kaposi’s Sarcoma is diagnosed in a patient with HIV this leads to a further diagnosis of AIDS due to the nature of the cancer. http://www.aidsmap.com/Symptoms/page/1254975/#item1255277
3. Differentiate between HIV positive status and AIDS.
HIV is the virus and AIDS is the condition. AIDS is a disease that is caused by HIV, however a person can have HIV without having AIDS. HIV is a virus that works against the immune system and some people with HIV will progress through the disease and develop AIDS.

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