AIDS-Defining Symptoms
Synonyms
AIDS-defining diseases; AIDS-defining illnesses; Opportunistic
infections in AIDS
Definition
The term “AIDS-defining diseases” are the so-called
opportunistic infections, which do not appear in immunocompetent
individuals, and particular tumors. The
tumors are Kaposi’s sarcoma, a tumor of the connective
tissue, and non-Hodgkin’s malignant lymphoma.
Opportunistic infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria,
fungi or parasites. Typical AIDS-associated viral
infections are cytomegalovirus and herpes infections.
The bacterial infection, which most frequently occurs
in connection with HIV-infection, is tuberculosis (S.
tuberculosis and other mycobacterioses). Fungal diseases,
which have to be mentioned, are Candida-infections
and cryptococcoses.A parasitic disease typical for
AIDS is pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis carinii. In
1980 the so-called “wasting-syndrome” was identified;
it is characterized by a loss of body weight of more than
10%, tiredness, persisting diarrhea and fever.
Cross-References
HIV-Infection and AIDS
