AIDS-defining clinical condition

AIDS-defining Clinical Condition

AIDS-defining clinical conditions are specific diseases and conditions that are associated with the progression of HIV infection to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). These conditions are used by healthcare professionals to diagnose AIDS in individuals infected with HIV. The presence of one or more of these conditions in an HIV-positive individual signifies a significant weakening of the immune system, typically marked by a CD4+ T-cell count below 200 cells/mm³.

Overview

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have established criteria for diagnosing AIDS, which include a list of opportunistic infections and cancers that are considered AIDS-defining. These conditions take advantage of the weakened immune system in individuals with advanced HIV infection.

Common AIDS-defining Conditions

Opportunistic Infections

Opportunistic infections are caused by pathogens that do not usually cause disease in individuals with a healthy immune system. In people with AIDS, these infections can be severe and life-threatening.

• Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP): A fungal infection of the lungs caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii.
• Candidiasis: Fungal infections of the esophagus, trachea, bronchi, or lungs caused by Candida species.
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV): A viral infection that can affect the eyes, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and other organs.
• Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection of the brain caused by Toxoplasma gondii.
• Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.

Cancers

Certain cancers are more common in individuals with AIDS due to the compromised immune system.

• Kaposi's sarcoma: A cancer that causes lesions in the skin, lymph nodes, and other organs, associated with Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8).
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A group of blood cancers that includes primary central nervous system lymphoma.
• Invasive cervical cancer: A cancer of the cervix that is more aggressive in individuals with HIV.

Other Conditions

• HIV wasting syndrome: Characterized by involuntary weight loss of more than 10% of body weight, along with diarrhea or chronic weakness and fever.
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): A rare brain infection caused by the JC virus.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of AIDS is made when an HIV-positive individual presents with one or more AIDS-defining conditions or when their CD4+ T-cell count falls below 200 cells/mm³. The presence of these conditions indicates a severe immunocompromised state, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Management

Management of AIDS-defining conditions involves antiretroviral therapy (ART) to control HIV replication and specific treatments for the opportunistic infections or cancers. Prophylactic treatments may also be used to prevent certain infections in individuals with low CD4+ counts.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with AIDS has improved significantly with the advent of effective ART. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection can prevent the progression to AIDS and the development of AIDS-defining conditions.

Also see

• HIV/AIDS
• Opportunistic infection
• Antiretroviral therapy
• Immune system