AIDS

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Tuberculosis in the lung Kaposi's sarcoma - lesion on the foot AIDS STDs and ecological niches HIV Primary HIV infection Canker sore (aphthous ulcer) Mycobacterium marinum infection on the hand Dermatitis, seborrheic - close-up Dermatitis, seborrheic on the face Histoplasmosis, disseminated in HIV patient Molluscum on the chest Kaposi's sarcoma on the back Kaposi's sarcoma - close-up Kaposi's sarcoma on the thigh Kaposi's sarcoma - perianal Molluscum contagiosum on the face Herpes zoster (shingles), disseminated Antibodies

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AIDS

The symptoms of AIDS are primarily the result of infections that do not normally develop in individuals with healthy immune systems. These are called opportunistic infections.

Patients with AIDS have had their immune system depleted by HIV and are very susceptible to such opportunistic infections. Common symptoms are fevers, sweats (particularly at night), swollen glands, chills, weakness, and weight loss.

See the signs and tests section below for a list of common opportunistic infections and major symptoms associated with them.

Note: Initial infection may produce no symptoms. Some people with HIV infection remain without symptoms for years between the time of exposure and development of AIDS. However, some people develop what feels like flu about two weeks after contracting the virus.

The following is a list of AIDS-related infections and cancers that people with AIDS acquire as their CD4 count decreases. Previously, having AIDS was defined by having HIV infection and acquiring one of these additional diseases, but now it is simply defined as a CD4 count below 200. Many other illnesses and corresponding symptoms may develop in addition to those listed here.

Common with CD4 count below 350/ml:

• Herpes simplex virus -- causes ulcers in the mouth or genitals, occurring more frequently and more severely than previously
• Tuberculosis -- infection by the tuberculosis bacteria that predominately affects the lungs
• Oral or vaginal thrush -- yeast infection of the mouth or genitals
• Herpes zoster -- ulcers over a discrete patch of skin caused by this virus
• Non-Hodgkins lymphoma -- cancer of the lymph glands

CD4 count below 200/ml

• Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, "PCP pneumonia"
• Candida esophagitis -- painful yeast infection of the esophagus

CD4 count below 100/ml

• Cryptococcal meningitis -- infection of the brain by this fungus
• AIDS dementia -- worsening and slowing of mental function caused by HIV itself
• Toxoplasmosis encephalitis -- infection of the brain by this parasite, which is frequently found in cat feces
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy -- a viral disease of the brain caused by a virus (called the JC virus) that results in a quick decline in cognitive and motor functions
• Wasting syndrome -- extreme weight loss and anorexia caused by HIV

CD4 count below 50/ml

• Mycobacterium avium -- a blood infection by a bacterium related to tuberculosis
• Cytomegalovirus infection -- a viral infection that can affect almost any organ system, especially the eyes

In addition to the CD4 lymphocyte count, chest x-rays, Pap smears, and other tests are useful in managing HIV disease. Persons who engage in receptive anal sex may wish to consider anal Pap smears to detect potential cancers.

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