Tuberculosis: People in developing nations are especially vulnerable. Salmonellosis: Contracted through contaminated food or water Cytomegalovirus (CMV): A common herpes virus that is often dormant in the body Candidiasis: Causes inflammation of and a thick coating on the mouth, tongue, esophagus,or vagina Cryptococcal meningitis: Caused by a fungus present in soil, bird or bat droppings Cryptosporidiosis: An intestinal parasite found in animals that is contracted through contaminated food or water Kaposi sarcoma: Tumor of the blood vessel wall that can also affect internal organs Lymphoma: Cancer of lymphocytes Wasting syndrome: Weight loss of at least 10% of body weight accompanied by fever, diarrhea, and chronic weakness Neurological complications: Can include confusion, forgetfulness, and depression, but can also lead to AIDS dementia complex HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN): Filters in the kidneys that remove fluid and wastes from the bloodstream are inflamed
Please review this article to learn more about the signs and symptoms of opportunistic infections: Opportunistic Infections
Diagnosis
Patients with HIV have continuous medical care to manage the condition and delay the onset of AIDS as long as possible. CD4 counts are monitored to make sure the level stays above 200. Additionally, viral load tests can measure the quantity of virus present in blood. Blood tests can also determine the strain of HIV that is present and whether or not the strain will be resistant to certain HIV medications. Other tests can check for HIV-related infections or complications.
Treatment
To date, AIDS is incurable. A variety of drugs can help block HIV, allowing a person to delay onset of AIDS. Treatment should begin immediately upon diagnosis of HIV, and is especially important if one of the following is present: Severe symptoms Pregnancy CD4 count under 500 HIV-related kidney disease Hepatitis B
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic Lupus Erythemat