Description Infection with the ...
Description
Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if not treated. The condition gradually destroys the immune system, preventing the body from fighting off infections. There is no permanent cure. However, with anti-viral drug treatment, the prognosis is excellent.
Symptoms
Symptoms of acute infection include sore throat, fever, body aches, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. Then there is a period of no symptoms, fatigue or just swollen lymph nodes, which may last for years. Symptoms of AIDS can be caused by the virus itself or related to the deficient immune system. Many different symptoms can occur, including: diarrhea, fatigue, fever, thrush (oral candidiasis), frequent vaginal yeast infections, headache, mouth sores, muscular aching, rash of various types, including seborrheic dermatitis, persistent lymph node swelling. Other symptoms may occur when a patient becomes infected with other viruses, bacteria or fungi.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The HIV ELISA/Western blot test is used to detect antibodies to the HIV virus. If the test is negative and there are risk factors for HIV infection, the test should be repeated in 3 months. Other tests can be done to detect how much HIV is in the blood (called a viral load). A CD4 count is done to determine how much the immune system has been damaged.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: HIV ELISA/Western blot, CD4 cell count
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine, HIV and AIDS Specialist
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The HIV ELISA/Western blot test is used to detect antibodies to the HIV virus. If the test is negative and there are risk factors for HIV infection, the test should be repeated in 3 months. Other tests can be done to detect how much HIV is in the blood (called a viral load). A CD4 count is done to determine how much the immune system has been damaged.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: HIV ELISA/Western blot, CD4 cell count
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine, HIV and AIDS Specialist
Treatment
Anti-viral drug treatment is usually offered as soon as the person is confirmed to have HIV infection. Pregnant women should be on anti-viral therapy to prevent transmission to the baby. It is important that patients take anti-viral medications exactly as prescribed and do not miss any doses. Complications caused by immune deficiency will require additional therapies, such as other anti-viral drugs, antibiotics, or anti-fungal medications.