Know The Causes Of HIV

To get to know what the causes of HIV are, we must first know how this virus was        discovered. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is said to be a medical mystery for its origin remained unknown. Some say that it may be caused by the discovery of polio vaccine, or the viruses found on animals especially monkeys or it may be genetically engineered by the CIA.

There are a lot of theories regarding this mysterious virus. The most probable theory is that HIV is originated from the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) that is found on monkey’s tissues. It may be passed on humans by eating the infected chimps or having an intercourse with them. There comes the theory about the polio vaccine, it is said that a polio vaccine was cultured from monkeys infected with SIV. But all of the stated above are merely speculations and has not yet to be proven as a fact.

The causes of HIV are mainly because of the virus attack to the immune system. That system is helped by white blood cells and antibodies which serve as soldiers that fight off and destroy bacteria, viruses or foreign organisms that enter the body. There are also white blood cells known as CD4 lymphocytes. The said lymphocytes are derived from the thymus gland that is responsible for immunity of cells. CD4 lymphocytes are the main target of the HIV which enters the cell and transmit their RNA (Ribonucleic Acid). They insert their genetic material to reproduce and make copies of themselves and by doing so, the CD4 cells die. By that, the body gradually weakens because nothing would defend the body on the next attacking viruses.

There are three main causes of HIV:
•    Sexual transmission – The sharing of body fluids like the semen for men and vaginal secretion for women, HIV positive individuals infects their partners because once the virus entered the body through small tears, it will develop in the vagina or rectum during unprotected sexual intercourse.

•    Transmission through pregnancy, childbirth or via breast feeding.

•    Transmission through infected blood – Blood is also a body fluid that may contain HIV virus. It is often transmitted to a person by blood transfusion, or by sharing needle and syringes that is contaminated with infected blood. Sharing of needles usually occur in injection of prohibited drugs. In some rare cases, it is acquired through organ transplant, dental or unsterilized surgical equipments.