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Alternative Names Return to top
Human immunodeficiency virus infectionDefinition Return to top
HIV infection is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The condition gradually destroys the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight infections.
This article provides a general overview. For more detailed information, see:
Causes Return to top
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be spread by the following:
The virus may also spread from a mother to her baby, either at birth or through breastfeeding.
People who become infected with HIV may have no symptoms for up to 10 years, but they can still pass the infection to others. After being exposed to the virus, it usually takes about 3 months for the HIV ELISA blood test to change from HIV negative to HIV positive.
HIV has spread throughout the US. The disease is more prevalent in urban areas, especially in inner cities.
Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms related to HIV are usually due to an infection in part of the body. Some symptoms related to HIV infection include:
Note: At the time of diagnosis with HIV infection, many people may not have experienced any symptoms.
Exams and Tests Return to top
The HIV ELISA and HIV Western blot tests detect antibodies to the HIV virus in the blood. Having these antibodies means you are infected with HIV.
White blood cell differential may also show abnormalities.
A lower-than-normal CD4 cell count may be a sign that the virus is suppressing your immune system.
Treatment Return to top
Doctors often recommend drug therapy for patients who are committed to taking all their medications and have a CD4 count below 500 cells/mL (indicating their immune system is suppressed). Some people, including pregnant women and people with kidney or neurological problems related to HIV, may need treatment regardless of their CD4 count.
It is extremely important for people with HIV to take all doses of their medications, otherwise the virus will quickly become resistant to the drugs. Therapy always involves a combination of antiviral drugs. Pregnant women with HIV infection are treated to reduce the chance of transmitting HIV to their babies.
People with HIV infection need to become educated about the disease and treatment so that they can be active participants in making decisions with their health care provider.
Support Groups Return to top
See: AIDS - support group
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
HIV is a chronic medical condition that can be treated, but not yet cured. There are effective ways to prevent complications and delay, but not prevent, progression to AIDS.
Almost all people infected with HIV will develop AIDS if not treated. However, there is a tiny group of people who develop AIDS very slowly, or never at all. These patients are called long-term non-progressors.
Possible Complications Return to top
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have had a possible or actual exposure to AIDS or HIV infection.
Prevention Return to top
References Return to top
Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: sect XXIV.
Update Date: 5/30/2009 Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Page last updated: 05 August 2009 |