AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections
HIV means human immunodeficiency virus that attacks the immune system of the body. AIDS is an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and is the final stage of HIV. This is the result of the individual’s immune system drastically affected thus becoming vulnerable to the opportunistic infections. HIV particularly affects the CD4 cells which are essential for the immune system to effectively fight off infections. When the CD4 level falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood, the individual is considered to have AIDS. HIV cases can also be considered to have progressed to AIDS when they become affected with one or more opportunistic infections (OI). There is no effective cure available for HIV but it can be controlled with the antiretroviral therapy. The HIV treatment can assist in restoring the affected immune system. The following list is an indication of some of the common opportunistic infections.
- Candidiasis of bronchi, trachea, esophagus or lungs
This infection is caused by the common type of fungus known as candida. In individuals affected with HIV, infections caused by candida are only considered as OI when the lower respiratory tract is affected which includes bronchi, esophagus and deep lung tissues.
- Cryptococcosis
The fungus cryptococcus neoformans commonly affects the skin, bones and the urinary tract. It can also develop pneumonia and swelling of the brain.
- Histoplasmosis
The fungus histoplasma capsulatum usually involves the lungs resulting in symptoms similar to pneumonia and influenza. Immunity compromised individuals can become severely affected with this condition involving various organs.
- Isosporiasis, chronic intestinal
This infection can enter the body by the consumption of contaminated food or water. Some of the symptoms include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and vomiting.
- Lymphoma, multiple forms
This is the cancer of the lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues. The kind of lymphoma affecting the HIV patients includes non-hodgkin and hodgkin.
- Tuberculosis
This infection is caused by the bacteria mycobacterium tuberculosis and can be airborne when an active TB individual cough or sneeze. Though tuberculosis normally develops in the lungs, the other parts that commonly are affected include kidneys, lymph nodes and larynx. The symptoms consist of fatigue, coughing, fever and weight loss.
- Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia(PCP)
This lung infection particularly occurs in people with weak immune system. The initial symptoms include breathing problems, dry cough and high fever.
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
The JV virus causes the rare brain and spinal cord infection and mainly occurs in people whose immune system is severely affected. The symptoms include paralysis, altered mental state, speech problems and blindness.
- Salmonella septicemia, recurrent
This infection occurs in individuals who consume contaminated food or water. In normal individuals, this infection can be self-limiting. However, those with weak immune system, the infection can become severe affecting the entire body.
- Toxoplasmosis of brain
This is carried by animals such as cats, rodents and is excreted in their feces. People may become infected by consuming food contaminated with the parasite. This can affect the lungs, pancreas, heart, the eyes, testes and the brain.
Treatment
When an individual has developed opportunistic infections, this is an indication that the immune system is compromised and the HIV is not under control. The treatment of opportunistic infections can consist of antibiotics and antifungal medications.
Prevention
One of the best methods of preventing opportunistic infection is by taking the HIV medication as prescribed and keeping the immune system as healthy as possible. It is also essential these individuals get regular check-ups. Some preventive methods of getting opportunistic infections can include getting vaccinated, use of condoms, ensuring the consumption of hygienically cooked food, drinking treated water and avoiding exposure to people with an infectious disease.
References
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/opportunisticinfections.html
http://www.aidsinfonet.org/fact_sheets/view/500
