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HIV/AIDS: Etiology and Oral Manifestations

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Because the diagnosis of HIV infection or AIDS was a death sentence for many years until the highly active antiretroviral medications were discovered, the HIV virus and the infections it causes continue to be greatly feared. Significant efforts have been made by researchers and clinicians to increase our knowledge of HIV, its infections and effective prevention and treatment, since they were first identified in the 1980s. The massive public health effort to increase knowledge about HIV transmission and effective protective interventions certainly have helped to reduce the fear that initially gripped the US. The general public and healthcare workers have benefited from this collectively gained knowledge.


AIDS Posters World AIDS Day

Public Health Service literature has helped to disseminate information on HIV/AIDS. US Public Health Service, 1987 (Courtesy of National Library of Medicine)

Selection of topics may be made to meet specific licensing boards' requirements.

Please note that these curriculum requirements may not fulfill the needs of your particular certification or licensure.

Part 1. Etiology and Epidemiology of HIV and AIDS

  • Definition of HIV, AIDS
  • How HIV works in the body
  • Reported HIV cases, reported AIDS cases in US

Part 2. Transmission and Infection Control

  • Transmission of HIV
  • Behaviors that increase risk of HIV transmission
  • Infection control precautions
  • Factors affecting risk of transmission
  • Risk for transmission to healthcare workers
  • Other factors affecting transmission
    • Risk reduction
    • Bloodborne pathogens requirements
  • Universal/Standard Precautions and Infection Control
  • Reporting of on-the-job exposure
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis
  • Infection control in other settings

Part 3. Testing and Counseling

  • Types of HIV testing
    • HIV test information
    • "Window period"
  • Pre-test counseling
  • Post-test counseling
  • Recommendations for testing related to sexual assault
  • Partner notification

Part 4. Clinical Manifestations and Treatment

  • Oral signs of HIV infection
  • Natural history of HIV infection
  • AIDS case definition
  • AIDS indicator conditions
  • How HIV works in the body
  • New drug therapies
  • Case management/resources
    • Tuberculosis and HIV
    • Other sexually transmitted diseases and HIV
  • Hepatitis B and HIV
  • Hepatitis C and HIV
  • Comparison Chart of HIV, HBV and HCV

Part 5. Ethical and Legal Issues

  • Reporting requirements
  • Confidentiality requirements
  • Disability and discrimination
  • Behaviors endangering the public

Part 6. Psychosocial Issues

  • Personal impact
  • The human response to death and dying
  • Caregiver issues
  • Select populations

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