INFORMATION  ON HIV

Go to other sections:

Stages:

Stages of HIV Infection

Advanced HIV Disease

In addition to all the previous conditions, several new opportunistic infections may occur. Cytomegalovirus disease, disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), Cryptococcal meningitis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and several other conditions are associated with this severe degree of immunosuppression. Frequently several opportunistic infections occur concomitantly. Treatment is usually suppressive rather than curative. 

 

Neurological disease is very common at this stage and includes: 

  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
  • Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma
  • HIV encephalopathy (HIV encephalopathy is seen less often since the widespread use of antiretroviral agents, particularly zidovudine)
  • HIV wasting syndrome is a very discouraging and difficult to treat condition seen in advanced HIV disease. 

Patients may also suffer from many medication-induced side-effects which may be challenging to sort out and modify.

The psychosocial ramifications of this degree of illness and debilitation are great and require intensive counseling and support.

Stages Menu: