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Asymptomatic HIV infection Causes and Risks:
Asymptomatic HIV infection is characterized by a period of varying length in which there is slow deterioration of the immune system. There is a decline in the CD4 counts, an index of immune function. The infected person is usually without symptoms. This period of time may last for 10 years or longer before symptoms appear. In some people, swollen glands (lymph nodes), skin disorders, or aseptic meningitis may be present. At this stage, there are no signs or symptoms of opportunistic infections.
In a study of people infected with the virus from 1977 through 1980, some have no signs or symptoms of HIV infection , and some have only generalized lymphadenopathy (enlarged nodes). It cannot be assumed that all persons infected with HIV will inevitably progress to AIDS .
Risk factors for HIV infection are sexual contact with a person infected with HIV, intravenous drug use, receipt of blood transfusion or blood components, and being born to an HIV positive mother.
Prevention:
Do not have sexual intercourse with people known or suspected to be infected with AIDS , numerous partners, people who have multiple partners, or people who use IV drugs. Do not use intravenous drugs. If IV drugs are used, do not share needles or syringes.
People with AIDS or who have had positive antibody tests may pass the disease on to others and should not donate blood, plasma, body organs, or sperm. They should not exchange body fluids during sexual activity.
Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk of acquiring the infection. There is a risk of acquiring the infection even if "safe sex" is practiced with the use of condoms . Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent sexual transmission of the virus.
Symptoms:
Note: Usually there are no symptoms.
Signs and Tests:
Tests that show HIV infection :
Treatment:
Therapy with Retrovir, an antiviral agent, is recommended for symptomatic and asymptomatic HIV-infected persons whose CD4 cell counts are 500 or less. Therapy with Retrovir has been shown to slow the rate of disease progression.
People with HIV infection need to receive education about the disease and treatment so that they can be active partners in decision making with the health care provider.
Support Groups:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See AIDS - support group .
Prognosis:
HIV is a chronic medical condition that can be treated but not yet cured. There are effective means of delaying progression to AIDS and preventing complications.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if risk factors are present for HIV infection , or if HIV infection has been diagnosed and symptoms begin to develop.
This is a graph of AIDS statistics for the United States from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); alphabetically for Alabama through Iowa.
This is a graph of AIDS statistics for the United States from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); alphabetically for Kansas through North Dakota.
This is a graph of AIDS statistics for the United States from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); alphabetically for the states of Ohio through Wyoming.
Kaposi's sarcoma on the toe. 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. In this photograph, the lesion is located on the toe.
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 is a vascular cancer that is now closely associated with AIDS. These vascular lesions are typically purple, may be raised, and exhibit a grape-like surface texture.
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).
Herpes simplex virus normally infects mucous membranes. In people with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised) it may infect many areas including the skin. A large are of tissue has been damaged with some tissue death (necrosis). These infections are difficult to treat.
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