HIV and Opportunistic Infection

HIV stands for Human immuno deficiency virus. This virus causes for developing AIDS. When a person gets infected with HIV, the virus attacks on the CD4 cells. These cells are chief cells and the immune system is made up of the cells. These cells protect the body from the invaders like various infections and diseases. The HIV hides in these cells and replicates itself in the body. It weakens the immune system slowly. As HIV develops in the body the immune system does not function properly. It is totally damaged. Eventually, the virus takes the hold on immune system and the body becomes vulnerable for the life threatening disease - AIDS. There is a close relation of HIV and Opportunistic Infection.

Let us see that how HIV and Opportunistic Infection are related to each other

In our bodies, we unknowingly carry many germs like, fungi, bacteria, protozoa and viruses. When our immune system works properly it controls these invaders. However, when a person gets infected with HIV and the immune system has been damaged by HIV, these germs attacks on the body. They cause for health problems. These infections take the advantages of the weakness of immune system are described as opportunistic.

The most common opportunistic infections are given below

Opportunistic infections caused for a sickness and deaths in early years if the AIDS epidemic. The health problems in vaginal area in women may be early symptoms of HIV. These problems can involve bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.

The most common opportunistic infections are enlisted with the disease they generally cause and the CD4 cell count

PCP (Pneumocystis pneumonia)

PCP is a fungal infection that causes a fatal pneumonia. The CD4 cell count is under 200 in this disease. It is still a quite common opportunistic infection in people who have not been treated for HIV. MAC or MAI (Mycobacterium avium complex)

The bacterial infection causes for the MAC. It leads to cause general sick feelings, recurring fevers, serious weight loss and problems with digestion. The CD4 cells count is under 75. Herpes simplex viruses

HSV can cause genital herpes or oral herpes (cold sores). These are most common infections. However, if you are infected with HIV then the eruptions can be more frequent and severe. The CD4 count can be different.

CMV (Cytomegalovirus)

CMV is a viral infection that leads to cause eye disease. It can lead to the blindness. CD4 cell count is under 50.

TB (Tuberculosis)

TB is a bacterial infection that assaults on lungs. It can cause meningitis. Those who are infected with HIV and their test results are positive for exposure to TB and should be treated.

Thrush (Candidacies)

Thrush is a fungal infection of the throat, mouth, or vagina. CD4 cell count can take place even with quite high CD4 cells.

Malaria

It is generally a common disease but it can happen more severe in people who are infected with HIV.

Toxo (Toxoplasmosis)

Toxo is a protozoal infection of brain. The CD4 cell count is under 100.

HIV and Opportunistic infection are co-related to each other. HIV allows opportunistic infection to attack on the weakened immune system.