AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

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HIV infection worsens over time, at a faster rate if there is poor compliance with medications, but at some point in all patients. How quickly each virus multiplies and how quickly it can then weaken the immune system varies from one patient to the next.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. A person with HIV is given the diagnosis of AIDS once they develop a CD4 count of <200 or one or more of the conditions listed in Appendix A. These are known as AIDS defining criteria. Once a person is given the diagnosis of AIDS, they will keep that diagnosis forever even if the CD4 count or medical condition improves. Once a person is diagnosed with AIDS, it becomes more likely that opportunistic infections will develop, which are usually life-threatening. Many opportunistic infections do have medication available for treatment but without help from the body's own immune system, they may be difficult to clear. This can result in serious problems or even death for the patient. The goal of HIV treatment is to avoid allowing the disease to progress to AIDS.

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