Exhibitors

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus that attacks the body s immune sys- tem, especially the CD4+ white blood cells (CD4 expressing T lymphocytes). Despite the homology in conserved regions, there are two main types of human immunodeficiency virus: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 virus is divided into four groups: M, N, O, and P. The most widespread group, M, is also classified into nine subtypes; A, B, C, D, F, G, H, J, and K. It is not possible to cure the disease once a person is infect- ed. However, with the current medical therapies, controlling the infection and preventing the progression of the disease is possible. For most infected people, flu-like symptoms last for a few days longer. However, due to a high number of asympto- matic patients, the only way to ensure having an HIV infec- tion is to get tested.

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C vi-rus, a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus. The severity of Hepatitis C disease ranges from an acute, short-term, mild illness to chronic, lifelong disease. Chronic Hepatitis C, seen by most people infected with HCV, may cause serious life-threatening illnesses like liver cancer and cirrhosis. The current treatments can cure most people in the early period of hepatitis C disease. Early diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is crucial to prevent further transmission in high-risk groups. Hepatitis C disease is a worldwide disease that occurs in all WHO regions. The most affected regions with a high num- ber of chronic infection cases are Eastern Mediterranean Region, European Region, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific Region. Seven HCV genotypes and more than 60 subtypes have been identified globally. Genotypes 1, 2, and 3 are the most common, accounting for about 60% of global infections.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus, a partially double-stranded DNA virus. The severity of Hepatitis B disease ranges from an acute, short-term illness to a chronic, lifelong disease that puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Treatment against chronic hepatitis B is possi- ble with medications, while there is no cure for acute infec- tions. The virus is transmitted through contact with an infected person s blood and other bodily fluids. The presence of hep- atitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) indicates that the person is contagious.