No cure for HIV yet, but early diagnosis may help lead longer lives

Most people confuse HIV and AIDS. While HIV is the virus that attacks the immune system, AIDS, also known as late stage HIV, is a set of symptoms that are manifested due to an immune system seriously damaged by HIV. Though there is no cure for HIV, early diagnosis can aid in timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy that can stop the virus from damaging the immune system. An HIV patient who has received timely treatment can live a normal and long life without progressing to late stage HIV.
 
Arresting the infection early on
 
HIV diagnosis is made by either demonstrating the presence of virus or viral products (antigens), alternatively by detecting host response (antibodies) to the virus. Rapid