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HIV/AIDS

HIV infection; Infection - HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Acquired immune deficiency syndrome

 

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus attacks and weakens the immune system. As the immune system weakens, the person is at risk of getting life-threatening infections and cancers. When that happens, the illness is called AIDS. Once a person has the virus, it stays inside the body for life.

Causes

 

The virus is spread (transmitted) person-to-person in any of the following ways:

  • Through sexual contact
  • Through blood -- by blood transfusions (now extremely rare in the United States) or more often by needle sharing
  • From mother to child -- a pregnant woman can spread the virus to her fetus through their shared blood circulation, or a nursing mother can pass it to her baby through her breast milk

The virus is NOT spread by:

  • Casual contact, such as hugging
  • Mosquitoes
  • Participating in sports
  • Touching items that were touched by a person infected with the virus

HIV and blood or organ donation:

  • HIV is not spread to a person who donates blood or organs. People who donate organs are never in direct contact with the people who receive them. Likewise, a person who donates blood is never in contact with the person receiving it. In all of these procedures, sterile needles and instruments are used.
  • But HIV can be spread to a person receiving blood or organs from an infected donor. To reduce this risk, blood banks and organ donor programs check (screen) donors, blood, and tissues thoroughly.

People at high risk of getting HIV include:

  • Drug users who inject and then share needles
  • Infants born to mothers with HIV who did not receive HIV treatment during pregnancy
  • People who have unprotected sex, especially with people who have other high-risk behaviors, are HIV-positive, or have AIDS
  • People who received blood transfusions or clotting products between 1977 and 1985, before screening for the virus became standard practice
  • Sexual partners of those who engage in high-risk activities (such as injection drug use or anal sex)

After HIV infects the body, the virus can be found in many different fluids and tissues in the body.

  • Only blood, semen, fluids from the vagina, and breast milk have been shown to transmit infection to others.
  • The virus may also be found in saliva, tears, and spinal fluid.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms related to acute HIV infection (when a person is first infected) can be similar to the flu or other viral illnesses. They include:

  • Fever and muscle pains
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Night sweats
  • Mouth sores, including yeast infection (thrush)
  • Swollen lymph glands
  • Diarrhea

Many people have no symptoms when they are first infected with HIV.

Acute HIV infection progresses over a few weeks to months to become an asymptomatic HIV infection (no symptoms). This stage can last 10 years or longer. During this period, the person might have no reason to suspect they have HIV, but they can spread the virus to others.

If they are not treated, almost all people infected with HIV will develop AIDS. Some people develop AIDS within a few years of infection. Others remain completely healthy after 10 or even 20 years.

People with AIDS have had their immune system damaged by HIV. They are at very high risk of getting infections that are uncommon in people with a healthy immune system. These infections are called opportunistic infections. These can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa, and can affect any part of the body. People with AIDS are also at higher risk for certain cancers, especially lymphomas and a skin cancer called Kaposi sarcoma .

Symptoms depend on the particular infection and which part of the body is infected. Lung infections are common in AIDS and usually cause cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Intestinal infections are also common and can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, or swallowing problems. Weight loss, fever, sweats, rashes, and swollen lymph glands are common in people with HIV infection and AIDS.

 

Exams and Tests

 

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

These are tests that are done to check if you've been infected with the virus. In general, testing is a 2-step process:

  • Screening test. There are several kinds of tests. Some are blood tests, others are mouth fluid tests. They check for antibodies to the HIV virus, HIV antigen , or both. Some screening tests can give results in 30 minutes or less.
  • Follow-up test. This is also called a confirmatory test. It is often done when the screening test is positive.

Home tests are available to test for HIV. If you plan to use one, check to make sure it is approved by the FDA. Follow instructions on the packaging to ensure the results are as accurate as possible.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone ages 15 to 65 have a screening test for HIV. People with risky behaviors should be tested regularly. Pregnant women should also have a screening test.

TESTS AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH HIV

People with AIDS usually have regular blood tests to check their CD4 cell count:

  • CD4 cells are the blood cells that HIV attacks. They are also called T4 cells or "helper T cells."
  • As HIV damages the immune system, the CD4 count drops. A normal CD4 count is from 500 to 1,500 cells/mm 3 of blood.
  • People usually develop symptoms when their CD4 count drops below 350. More serious complications occur when the CD4 count drops to 200. When the count is below 200, the person is said to have AIDS.

Other tests include:

  • HIV RNA level, or viral load, to check how much HIV is in the blood
  • A resistance test to see if the virus has any resistance to the medicines used to treat HIV
  • Complete blood count, blood chemistry, and urine test
  • Tests for other sexually transmitted infections
  • TB test
  • Pap smear to check for cervical cancer
  • Anal pap smear to check for cancer of the anus

 

Treatment

 

HIV/AIDS is treated with medicines that stop the virus from multiplying. This treatment is called antiretroviral therapy (ART).

In the past, people with HIV infection would start antiretroviral treatment after their CD4 count dropped or they developed HIV complications. Today, HIV treatment is recommended for all people with HIV infection, even if their CD4 count is still normal.

Regular blood tests are needed to make sure the virus level in the blood (viral load) is kept low, or suppressed. The goal of treatment is to lower the HIV virus in the blood to a level that is so low that the test can't detect it. This is called an undetectable viral load.

If the CD4 count already dropped before treatment was started, it will usually slowly go up. HIV complications often disappear as the immune system recovers.

 

Support Groups

 

Joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems can often help lower the emotional stress of having a long-term illness.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

With treatment, most people with HIV/AIDS can live a healthy and normal life.

Current treatments do not cure the infection. The medicines only work as long as they are taken every day. If the medicines are stopped, the viral load will go up and the CD4 count will drop. If the medicines are not taken regularly, the virus can become resistant to one or more of the drugs, and the treatment will stop working.

People who are on treatment need to see their health care providers regularly. This is to make sure the medicines are working and to check for side effects of the drugs.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call for an appointment with your provider if you have any risk factors for HIV infection. Also call if you develop symptoms of AIDS. By law, the results of HIV testing must be kept confidential (private). Your provider will review your test results with you.

 

Prevention

 

Preventing HIV/AIDS:

  • Get tested. People who don't know they have HIV infection and who look and feel healthy are the most likely to transmit it to others.
  • DO NOT use illegal drugs and do not share needles or syringes. Many communities have needle exchange programs, where you can get rid of used syringes and get new, sterile ones. Staff at these programs can also refer you for addiction treatment.
  • Avoid contact with another person's blood. If possible, wear protective clothing, a mask, and goggles when caring for people who are injured.
  • If you test positive for HIV, you can pass the virus to others. You should not donate blood, plasma, body organs, or sperm.
  • HIV-positive women who might become pregnant should talk to their provider about the risk to their unborn child. They should also discuss methods to prevent their baby from becoming infected, such as taking antiretroviral medicines during pregnancy.
  • Breastfeeding should be avoided to prevent passing HIV to infants through breast milk.

Safer sex practices, such as using latex condoms, are effective in preventing the spread of HIV. But there is still a risk of getting the infection, even with the use of condoms (for example, condoms can tear). Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent sexual transmission of HIV.

HIV-positive people who are taking antiretroviral medicines are less likely to transmit the virus.

The US blood supply is among the safest in the world. Nearly all people infected with HIV through blood transfusions received those transfusions before 1985, the year HIV testing began for all donated blood.

If you believe you have been exposed to HIV, seek medical attention right away. DO NOT delay. Starting antiviral medicines right after the exposure (up to 3 days after) can reduce the chance that you will be infected. This is called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). It has been used to prevent transmission in health care workers injured by needlesticks.

 

 

References

Department of Health and Human Services. Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents. Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in HIV-1-infected adults and adolescents. Updated August 22, 2016. aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines . Accessed May 7, 2015.

Gulick RM. Antiretroviral therapy of human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 388.

Moyer VA; US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for HIV: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med . 2013;159(1):51-60. PMID: 23698354 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23698354 .

Reitz MS, Gallo RC. Human immunodeficiency viruses. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 171.

Simonetti FR, Dewar R, Maldarelli F. Diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 122.

Verma A, Berger JR. Neurological manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus infection in adults. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 77.

 
  • STDs and ecological niches - illustration

    Many sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) invade the host and reside for long periods of time without killing the host. A good example is syphilis, which may reside in its host for 30 to 50 years. HIV also can take 10 or more years to kill its host, allowing plenty of time to spread the infection.

    STDs and ecological niches

    illustration

  • HIV - illustration

    HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral infection that gradually destroys the immune system. Practicing effective safe sex methods significantly reduces the risk of disease transmission.

    HIV

    illustration

  • Primary HIV infection - illustration

    HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is more frequently transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing contaminated needles. Transmission from mother to fetus or through blood products has significantly declined in the United States.

    Primary HIV infection

    illustration

  • Canker sore (aphthous ulcer) - illustration

    Canker sores (Aphthous ulcers) are very common. Typically, they are a shallow ulcer with a white or whitish/yellow base surrounded by a reddish border. This severe form of ulcer can be seen in an individual with AIDS and is located in front and just below the bottom teeth.

    Canker sore (aphthous ulcer)

    illustration

  • Mycobacterium marinum infection on the hand - illustration

    This bacterial infection is caused by Mycobacterium marinum. Marinum is a relative of the organism which causes tuberculosis. This lesion is often referred to as a swimming pool granuloma. Atypical mycobacterial infections may cause life-threatening disease in people with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised individuals). Mycobacterium marinum

    Mycobacterium marinum infection on the hand

    illustration

  • Dermatitis, seborrheic on the face - illustration

    This is seborrheic dermatitis on the face. Note the redness (erythema) and mild scaling. Individuals with AIDS frequently develop seborrheic dermatitis or other types of skin rashes, as seen in this person who is HIV positive.

    Dermatitis, seborrheic on the face

    illustration

  • AIDS - illustration

    AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and is a syndrome that leaves the body vulnerable to a host of life-threatening illnesses. There is no cure for AIDS, but treatment with antiviral medicine can suppress symptoms. AIDS is universally fatal, in large part due to the proliferation of opportunistic infections.

    AIDS

    illustration

  • Kaposi's sarcoma - close-up - illustration

    Kaposi's sarcoma was once a rare malignancy of the blood vessels but is now associated with AIDS. It is more frequently associated with AIDS in homosexual men than AIDS in IV drug users. The malignancy results most frequently in purplish to reddish-purple flat or grape-like lesions in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs.

    Kaposi's sarcoma - close-up

    illustration

  • Histoplasmosis, disseminated in HIV patient - illustration

    This is a skin lesion resulting from disseminated histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis occurs most frequently as a lung infection, however it can infect the skin or become distributed (disseminated) to internal organs.

    Histoplasmosis, disseminated in HIV patient

    illustration

  • Molluscum on the chest - illustration

    These lesions are associated with the molluscum virus and are present on a person who has a weakened immune system (immunocompromised). Molluscum contagiosum are small, raised, pearly skin lesions caused by the molluscum virus, a member of the poxvirus family. They are seen frequently in children and less often in adults. In adults, they may be considered a sexually transmitted disease. Immunocompromised individuals may experience heavy outbreaks of these lesions, as seen in this photograph.

    Molluscum on the chest

    illustration

  • Kaposi's sarcoma on the back - illustration

    Kaposi's sarcoma was once a rare malignancy of the blood vessels but is now associated with AIDS. It is more frequently associated with AIDS in homosexual men than AIDS in IV drug users. Recent research has suggested that this malignancy may be caused by a newly discovered herpes virus. The malignancy results in purplish, grape-like lesions in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs.

    Kaposi's sarcoma on the back

    illustration

  • Kaposi's sarcoma on the thigh - illustration

    Kaposi's sarcoma, seen here on the thigh, was once a rare malignancy of the blood vessels, but is now associated with AIDS. It is more frequently associated with AIDS in homosexual men than AIDS in IV drug users. The malignancy results in purplish to reddish-purple grape-like lesions in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs.

    Kaposi's sarcoma on the thigh

    illustration

  • Molluscum contagiosum on the face - illustration

    Molluscum contagiosum is most commonly seen in children, however it does occur in adults and may cause extensive infection in people with weakened immune systems. In this photograph, multiple small molluscum are seen covering the cheek, upper neck, and in the sideburn.

    Molluscum contagiosum on the face

    illustration

  • Antibodies - illustration

    Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.

    Antibodies

    illustration

  • Tuberculosis in the lung - illustration

    Tuberculosis is caused by a group of organisms: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M bovis, M africanum and a few other rarer subtypes. Tuberculosis usually appears as a lung (pulmonary) infection. However, it may infect other organs in the body. Recently, antibiotic-resistant strains of tuberculosis have appeared. With increasing numbers of immunocompromised individuals with AIDS, and homeless people without medical care, tuberculosis is seen more frequently today. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) M bovis M africanum

    Tuberculosis in the lung

    illustration

  • Kaposi's sarcoma - lesion on the foot - illustration

    Kaposi's sarcoma on the foot. This once-rare malignancy of the blood vessels is now associated with AIDS. It is more frequently associated with AIDS in homosexual men than AIDS in IV drug users. The malignancy results in purplish grape-like lesions in the skin, gastrointestinal tract and other organs.

    Kaposi's sarcoma - lesion on the foot

    illustration

  • Kaposi's sarcoma - perianal - illustration

    Kaposi's sarcoma usually occurs in male homosexuals with AIDS. These lesions can appear anywhere on the body as purple, elevated growths. This sarcoma is located near the anus (perianal).

    Kaposi's sarcoma - perianal

    illustration

  • Herpes zoster (shingles) disseminated - illustration

    Herpes zoster (shingles) normally occurs in a limited area that follows a dermatome (see the "dermatome" picture). In individuals with damaged immune systems, herpes zoster may be widespread (disseminated), causing serious illness. Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

    Herpes zoster (shingles) disseminated

    illustration

  • Dermatitis seborrheic - close-up - illustration

    This is a close-up of seborrheic dermatitis. Note the redness (erythema) and mild scaling. Individuals with AIDS frequently develop seborrheic dermatitis or other types of skin rashes, as seen in this person.

    Dermatitis seborrheic - close-up

    illustration

    • STDs and ecological niches - illustration

      Many sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) invade the host and reside for long periods of time without killing the host. A good example is syphilis, which may reside in its host for 30 to 50 years. HIV also can take 10 or more years to kill its host, allowing plenty of time to spread the infection.

      STDs and ecological niches

      illustration

    • HIV - illustration

      HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral infection that gradually destroys the immune system. Practicing effective safe sex methods significantly reduces the risk of disease transmission.

      HIV

      illustration

    • Primary HIV infection - illustration

      HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is more frequently transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing contaminated needles. Transmission from mother to fetus or through blood products has significantly declined in the United States.

      Primary HIV infection

      illustration

    • Canker sore (aphthous ulcer) - illustration

      Canker sores (Aphthous ulcers) are very common. Typically, they are a shallow ulcer with a white or whitish/yellow base surrounded by a reddish border. This severe form of ulcer can be seen in an individual with AIDS and is located in front and just below the bottom teeth.

      Canker sore (aphthous ulcer)

      illustration

    • Mycobacterium marinum infection on the hand - illustration

      This bacterial infection is caused by Mycobacterium marinum. Marinum is a relative of the organism which causes tuberculosis. This lesion is often referred to as a swimming pool granuloma. Atypical mycobacterial infections may cause life-threatening disease in people with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised individuals). Mycobacterium marinum

      Mycobacterium marinum infection on the hand

      illustration

    • Dermatitis, seborrheic on the face - illustration

      This is seborrheic dermatitis on the face. Note the redness (erythema) and mild scaling. Individuals with AIDS frequently develop seborrheic dermatitis or other types of skin rashes, as seen in this person who is HIV positive.

      Dermatitis, seborrheic on the face

      illustration

    • AIDS - illustration

      AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and is a syndrome that leaves the body vulnerable to a host of life-threatening illnesses. There is no cure for AIDS, but treatment with antiviral medicine can suppress symptoms. AIDS is universally fatal, in large part due to the proliferation of opportunistic infections.

      AIDS

      illustration

    • Kaposi's sarcoma - close-up - illustration

      Kaposi's sarcoma was once a rare malignancy of the blood vessels but is now associated with AIDS. It is more frequently associated with AIDS in homosexual men than AIDS in IV drug users. The malignancy results most frequently in purplish to reddish-purple flat or grape-like lesions in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs.

      Kaposi's sarcoma - close-up

      illustration

    • Histoplasmosis, disseminated in HIV patient - illustration

      This is a skin lesion resulting from disseminated histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis occurs most frequently as a lung infection, however it can infect the skin or become distributed (disseminated) to internal organs.

      Histoplasmosis, disseminated in HIV patient

      illustration

    • Molluscum on the chest - illustration

      These lesions are associated with the molluscum virus and are present on a person who has a weakened immune system (immunocompromised). Molluscum contagiosum are small, raised, pearly skin lesions caused by the molluscum virus, a member of the poxvirus family. They are seen frequently in children and less often in adults. In adults, they may be considered a sexually transmitted disease. Immunocompromised individuals may experience heavy outbreaks of these lesions, as seen in this photograph.

      Molluscum on the chest

      illustration

    • Kaposi's sarcoma on the back - illustration

      Kaposi's sarcoma was once a rare malignancy of the blood vessels but is now associated with AIDS. It is more frequently associated with AIDS in homosexual men than AIDS in IV drug users. Recent research has suggested that this malignancy may be caused by a newly discovered herpes virus. The malignancy results in purplish, grape-like lesions in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs.

      Kaposi's sarcoma on the back

      illustration

    • Kaposi's sarcoma on the thigh - illustration

      Kaposi's sarcoma, seen here on the thigh, was once a rare malignancy of the blood vessels, but is now associated with AIDS. It is more frequently associated with AIDS in homosexual men than AIDS in IV drug users. The malignancy results in purplish to reddish-purple grape-like lesions in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs.

      Kaposi's sarcoma on the thigh

      illustration

    • Molluscum contagiosum on the face - illustration

      Molluscum contagiosum is most commonly seen in children, however it does occur in adults and may cause extensive infection in people with weakened immune systems. In this photograph, multiple small molluscum are seen covering the cheek, upper neck, and in the sideburn.

      Molluscum contagiosum on the face

      illustration

    • Antibodies - illustration

      Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.

      Antibodies

      illustration

    • Tuberculosis in the lung - illustration

      Tuberculosis is caused by a group of organisms: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M bovis, M africanum and a few other rarer subtypes. Tuberculosis usually appears as a lung (pulmonary) infection. However, it may infect other organs in the body. Recently, antibiotic-resistant strains of tuberculosis have appeared. With increasing numbers of immunocompromised individuals with AIDS, and homeless people without medical care, tuberculosis is seen more frequently today. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) M bovis M africanum

      Tuberculosis in the lung

      illustration

    • Kaposi's sarcoma - lesion on the foot - illustration

      Kaposi's sarcoma on the foot. This once-rare malignancy of the blood vessels is now associated with AIDS. It is more frequently associated with AIDS in homosexual men than AIDS in IV drug users. The malignancy results in purplish grape-like lesions in the skin, gastrointestinal tract and other organs.

      Kaposi's sarcoma - lesion on the foot

      illustration

    • Kaposi's sarcoma - perianal - illustration

      Kaposi's sarcoma usually occurs in male homosexuals with AIDS. These lesions can appear anywhere on the body as purple, elevated growths. This sarcoma is located near the anus (perianal).

      Kaposi's sarcoma - perianal

      illustration

    • Herpes zoster (shingles) disseminated - illustration

      Herpes zoster (shingles) normally occurs in a limited area that follows a dermatome (see the "dermatome" picture). In individuals with damaged immune systems, herpes zoster may be widespread (disseminated), causing serious illness. Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

      Herpes zoster (shingles) disseminated

      illustration

    • Dermatitis seborrheic - close-up - illustration

      This is a close-up of seborrheic dermatitis. Note the redness (erythema) and mild scaling. Individuals with AIDS frequently develop seborrheic dermatitis or other types of skin rashes, as seen in this person.

      Dermatitis seborrheic - close-up

      illustration


     

    Review Date: 5/1/2015

    Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Internal review and update on 07/24/2016 by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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