Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks specific cells in the immune system called CD4, or T helper, cells. When the virus destroys these cells, the patient is susceptible to a variety of infections.

How quickly HIV progresses to AIDS depends on many factors, including the general health of the patient, age, nutrition and stress levels. As new discoveries are made and drug therapies are improved, the time from infection to development of AIDS is becoming much longer.

Diagnosis is made through blood tests that identify the presence of HIV antibodies. There are a variety of laboratory tests for HIV and at least two must be positive for a definitive diagnosis.

The general stages of the infection are as follows:

1. Infection. During this first stage, the virus begins to invade CD4 cell and make copies. The patient might experience flu-like symptoms.

2. Response. The body responds to the presence of the virus by creating antibodies. The production of antibodies marks the line between HIV negative and HIV positive.

3. Asymptomatic Infection. During this period, the patient experiences no symptoms even though the virus is active and may be causing damage to the immune system.

4. Symptomatic Infection. This is when signs and symptoms begin to develop. Many patients develop a specific type of pneumonia, called PCP, during this stage.

5. AIDS. Full-blown AIDS is diagnosed when the patient exhibits a variety of symptoms and infections.

Common symptoms experienced by patients with AIDS include:

•Breathing problems

•Mouth problems, such as thrush (white spots), sores, change in taste, dryness, trouble swallowing, or loose teeth

•Fever for more than 2 days

•Weight loss

•Change in vision or floaters (moving lines or spots in your vision)

•Diarrhea

•Skin rashes or itching

Because HIV causes a deficiency in the immune system, it is also more difficult for AIDS patients to fight off infections, including:

•Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a type or pneumonia

•Mycobacterium avium complex, a virus found in dust, water, soil and bird droppings that causes flu-like illness

•Cytomegalovirus, a virus that can cause infection of the retina and blindness

•Tuberculosis, a life-threatening infection of the lungs or bone

•Toxoplasmosis, an illness caused by a parasite found in soil and cat feces

•Cryptosporidiosis, a water borne diarrheal disease

•Hepatitis C, chronic infection of the liver

•Human papilloma virus, a common sexually transmitted virus

HIV is treated with several medications that can slow the growth and progression of the virus. Specialized HIV medications include:

•Antiretroviral drugs. These drugs attack retroviruses, a family of viruses that includes HIV.

•HAART. Highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART, is a combination of three or more HIV medications. HAART therapy is tailored to the patient based on individual health status.

As patients develop infections, they may also be treated with antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal medications. Other therapies such as pain medications or antiemetics (to prevent nausea and vomiting) may also be used.

Drug treatment of HIV is complex and many of the drugs used cause significant side effects. It is important, however, that patients follow their physician’s instructions exactly. PharmaCare Specialty Pharmacy offers the one-on-one support and monitoring that can help patients obtain their medications on time, take their medications properly, and manage side effects.

First published May 9, 2008
Copyright © 2008 Consumer Health Interactive

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