Research Paper(AIDS and HIV in Africa & Coral Reefs)

AIDS and HIV are very serious problems in Africa. Over 75 percent of the people living with HIV live in Sub-Saharan Africa. There are more than 25 million people living in Sub-Saharan Africa with HIV. As a result of multiple genetic studies, it is said that HIV in Africa came from chimpanzees that were butchered over 100 years ago for meat. HIV has two subtypes. HIV-1 is the most common and is related to the chimpanzees in Africa. Both HIV-1 and HIV-2 can both cause AIDS, however HIV-1 is easier to transmit. HIV is transmitted though exposure to infected bodily fluids including saliva and semen. Unprotected sex is the number one way to transfer HIV. The virus can enter the body though the mucous membranes of the vagina, the vulva, the penis, the rectum or the mouth during sexual activity. Some sexually transmitted infections can increase the susceptibility to infection of HIV. The first STI is that can increase the likely hood of getting HIV is syphilis. Syphilis is caused by bacterium. Direct sores on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum transmit it. The syphilis sores can also occur on the lips and in the mouth. The second STI is genital herpes. The herpes simplex virus causes genital herpes. Chlamydia is another sexually transmitted infection that can lead to HIV. Having sex transmits chlamydia, and the male does not need to ejaculate. Lastly, gonorrhea increases the chance of getting HIV. Gonorrhea can grow in the warm, moist areas of the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women. It can also grow in the urethra in both male and females. Sharing drug syringes is another way to transmit HIV. Lastly, women during pregnancy, breast-feeding and birth can cause their babies to have HIV. The most common type of birth control in Africa can heighten the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV. While there are many ways to spread HIV, there are also ways to reduce the risk. Both drug treatments and a cesarean section

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