HIV/AIDS Related Conditions

HIV-related Conditions

The human body normally harbors a number of viruses and bacteria that have no effect if the immune system is functioning properly. A damaged or weakened immune system presents an opportunity for these viruses and bacteria to cause diseases, which are called opportunistic infections. In patients who have HIV/AIDS, opportunistic infections usually develop years after the initial HIV infection when the immune system has weakened.

Generally, opportunistic infections are difficult to treat. For example, although vaginal yeast infections are common in all women, the risk for developing this type of infection is much greater in women with HIV/AIDS and the infection often is more difficult to treat.

The use of potent combination antiretroviral therapy has made HIV-related infections much less common than they were in the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Antiretrovirals also boost the immune system, which makes it easier to treat these infections once they develop.