[Information] Disease information for the 2026 test panel
관리자2026-01-27Views 71
HIV/AIDS
What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV is a virus that destroys immune cells in the body and gradually weakens the immune system.
As the virus multiplies and damages the immune system, various opportunistic infections can develop;
this advanced stage is called AIDS.
Transmission
HIV can be transmitted when the blood, semen, or vaginal fluid of an HIV-positive person comes into
contact with another person’s wounds or mucous membranes. It is most commonly transmitted through
condomless sex or sharing needles.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A rapid HIV test (using blood or oral fluid) is a screening test. If the result is positive, a confirmatory test
is required to make the diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with HIV, it can be treated by taking antiretroviral
medication. With consistent treatment, HIV will not progress to AIDS. When the viral load becomes
undetectable, HIV cannot be transmitted to others (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable).
Symptoms
Some people may experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, or vomiting in the early stage of HIV
infection, while others may pass through this stage without any symptoms. Without treatment, HIV
gradually weakens the immune system over several years, increasing the risk of opportunistic infections.
Prevention
HIV can be prevented by using condoms and by taking preventive medications such as
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
Having sex with a partner whose viral load is undetectable also prevents HIV transmission (U=U).
Syphilis
What is Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
Transmission
Syphilis is mainly transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
The risk is higher when there are open sores or lesions on the skin or mucous membranes.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Syphilis is diagnosed using blood tests along with clinical symptoms. If you are diagnosed with syphilis,
it can be treated with one or more penicillin injections. When detected early, syphilis can be cured in
most cases. However, follow-up blood tests may be required to confirm cure.
Symptoms
Syphilis develops in stages. Primary syphilis typically causes a painless sore.
Secondary syphilis may cause skin rashes (including palms and soles) and hair loss.
Without treatment, tertiary syphilis can damage internal organs such as the nervous system and heart.
Prevention
Syphilis can be prevented by using condoms, early testing, and prompt treatment.
Doxy-PEP can also reduce infection risk when taken within 72 hours after sexual exposure.
Hepatitis C
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Transmission
Hepatitis C is mainly transmitted through blood, including exposure during sexual activity that causes
injury, sharing needles, or unsterilized tattoo or piercing equipment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Hepatitis C is diagnosed using a blood test. If you are diagnosed with hepatitis C, it can be treated by taking antiviral medication for 8 to 12 weeks. With proper treatment, hepatitis C can be cured in more than 95% of cases.
Symptoms
Hepatitis C is often called a “silent disease” because many people have no symptoms. Some individuals may experience fatigue or jaundice. Without treatment, the infection can progress to serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Prevention
Hepatitis C can be prevented by avoiding contact with infected blood. This includes using condoms, using properly sterilized tattoo or piercing equipment, and not sharing items that may be contaminated with blood, such as needles or razors.
* The information above is for reference only. Please consult a medical professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.