HIV/AIDS education: still an important issue for veterinarians.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a significant cause of immunosuppression that puts infected individuals at higher risk for developing severe complications from zoonotic infections and other animal-related hazards. The number of people living with HIV grows each year, assuring that veterinary practitioners will have clients and/or employees who are afflicted with HIV/AIDS. Veterinarians need to better understand HIV/AIDS for many reasons: to dispel unfounded beliefs; to address discrimination and liability issues; to educate and protect the health of clients and employees; to help those with HIV/AIDS keep their pets; and to meet legal and professional requirements. To do this, veterinarians must become proactive in learning about HIV/AIDS and in reaching out to pet owners living with HIV/AIDS, as well as the physicians of those individuals. Through discussion on historical and contemporary issues surrounding HIV/AIDS, this article examines why veterinarians need to better understand HIV/AIDS, advocates for more time in the veterinary curriculum on the topic of HIV/AIDS, and provides resources for veterinarians and their clients.
Davis
Radford G
RG
Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA. rgdavis@iastate.edu
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic / Q000382:microbiology / Q000821:virology; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003479:Curriculum; D004520:Education, Veterinary; D006266:Health Education / Q000592:standards*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011361:Professional Competence; D011634:Public Health / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States; D016635:Universal Precautions; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000592:standards*; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*