Vitamin Information Center

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

AIDS
Synonyms
Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus;
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; HIV-infection;
HIV/AIDS
Definition
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a retrovirus
that primarily infects vital components of the human
immune system such as CD4+ T cells (a subset of T
cells), macrophages and dendritic cells. It impairs the
body’s ability to fight infection and certain cancers.
HIV infection is diagnosable by antibody or antigen
testing. Treatment aims to suppress HIV replication
by combinations of drugs that inhibit HIV enzymes.
Any of a list of illnesses that, when occurring in an
HIV-infected person, leads to a diagnosis of AIDS, the
most serious stage of HIV infection. AIDS is also diagnosed
if an HIV-infected person has a CD4 count below
200 cells/mm3, whether or not that person has an AIDSdefining
condition. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) published a list of AIDS-defining
conditions in 1993. The 26 conditions include candidiasis,
cytomegalovirus disease, Kaposi’s sarcoma,
mycobacterium avium complex, pneumocystis carinii
pneumonia, recurrent pneumonia, progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy, pulmonary tuberculosis, invasive
cervical cancer, and wasting syndrome.
Cross-References
 HIV (Human Immunodeficiency-Virus)-Infection
 HIV-Infection and AIDS