What is HIV infection?

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HIV infection

HIV infection is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The condition gradually destroys the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight infections. This article provides a general overview. For more detailed information, see: AIDS Acute HIV infection Asymptomatic HIV infection Early symptomatic HIV infection

Dementia Due to HIV Infection

Decline in mental processes is a common complication of HIV infection (and many other conditions). Although the specific symptoms vary from person to person, they may be part of a single disorder known as AIDS dementia complex, or ADC. Other names for ADC are HIV-associated dementia and HIV/AIDS encephalopathy. Common symptoms include decline in thinking, or cognitive, functions such as memory, reasoning, judgment, concentration, and problem solving. Other common symptoms are changes in personality and behavior, speech problems, and motor (movement) problems such as clumsiness and poor balance. When these symptoms are severe enough to interfere with everyday activity, a diagnosis of dementia may be warranted. AIDS dementia complex typically occurs as CD4+ count falls to less than 200 cells/microliter. It may be the first sign of AIDS. With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the frequency of ADC has declined from 30-60% of people infected with HIV to less than 20%. HAART may not only prevent or delay the onset of AIDS dementia complex in people with HIV infection, it can also improve mental function in people who already have ADC.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Primary Infection

Primary HIV infection (PHI) syndrome is an acute, flu-like illness that develops anywhere from 1&#8211,6 weeks following exposure to HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus). Chronic infection with this virus can cause AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The HIV virus destroys the body's ability to fight infections and some cancers by progressively attacking and damaging the cells of the immune system. The most common way of becoming infected is through unprotected sex with an infected partner.

AIDS

The occurrence of immune deficiency in previously healthy individuals. There is no specific therapy.

HIV: Opportunistic Infections

Opportunistic infections are infections that occur if you have a weakened immune system. Your immune system, when healthy, protects you from infections. People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have weakened immune systems that are unable to fight certain infections.People with weakened immune systems can even get infections from organisms that don't usually cause diseases in health people.HIV attacks specific cells in your immune system known as helper T cells. These white blood cells, also known as CD4 (or CD4+) cells, help to keep infection at bay.Having HIV reduces the numbers of these helpful cells in your body, and makes it harder for your immune system to fight off disease.

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are all caused by infective agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Some infectious diseases can be passed from person to person. Some, however, are transmitted via bites from insects or animals. Others are acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water or other exposures in the environment.

HIV - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to Acute infection‎: The initial infection with HIV generally occurs after transfer of body fluids from an infected person to an uninfected one. ...

HIV Infection Symptoms, Signs, Treatment, Prevention Facts and ...

Mar 8, 2011 ... What are symptoms and signs of HIV infection and AIDS? ... While HIV infection is required to develop AIDS, the actual definition of AIDS is ...

What are the symptoms of HIV infection?

The first symptoms of HIV infection can resemble symptoms of common cold or flu viruses. The symptoms of early infection can also be similar to the symptoms ...

Early Symptomatic HIV Infection: eMedicine Infectious Diseases

Nov 29, 2010 ... Overview: The clinical effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are diverse, ranging from an acute retroviral syndrome ...