Human immunodeficiency virus infection

Alternative names

HIV infection

Definition

HIV infection is a viral infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that gradually destroys the immune system, resulting in infections that are hard for the body to fight.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Acute HIV infection may be associated with symptoms resembling mononucleosis or the flu within 2 to 4 weeks of exposure. HIV seroconversion (converting from HIV negative to HIV positive) usually occurs within 3 months of exposure.

People who become infected with HIV may have no symptoms for up to 10 years, but they can still transmit the infection to others. Meanwhile, their immune system gradually weakens until they are diagnosed with AIDS. Acute HIV infection progresses over time to asymptomatic HIV infection and then to early symptomatic HIV infection and later, to AIDS (advanced HIV infection):

HIV Infection (acute HIV infection) ->early asymptomatic HIV infection ->early symptomatic HIV infection ->AIDS.

Most individuals infected with HIV will progress to AIDS if not treated. However, there is a tiny subset of patients who develop AIDS very slowly, or never at all. These patients are called non-progressors.

HIV has spread throughout the United States. Higher concentrations of the disease are found in inner cities.

Related topics:

• Acute HIV infection
  
• Asymptomatic HIV infection
  
• Early symptomatic HIV infection
  
• AIDS
  

Symptoms

Any symptoms of illness may occur, since infections can occur throughout the body. Special symptoms relating to HIV infection include:

• Sore throat
  
• Mouth sores, including candidal infection
  
• Muscular stiffness or aching
  
• Headache
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Swollen lymph glands
  
• Fever
  
• Fatigue
  
• Rash of various types, including seborrheic dermatitis
  
• Frequent vaginal yeast infections
  

Note: At the time of diagnosis with HIV infection, many people have not experienced any symptoms.

Signs and tests