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HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. People with Human Immunodefiency Virus have what is called "HIV infection". Most of these people will eventually develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection.
HIV is a retrovirus that infects several kinds of cells in the body, the most important of which is a type of white blood cell called the CD4 lymphocyte (also know as the T-Cell.) The CD4 cell is a major component of the human immune system that helps protect people from many infections and some cancers. HIV can effectively disable the body's immune system and destroy its ability to fight diseases.
Two major types of HIV have been identified: HIV-1 is the cause of the worldwide epidemic, HIV-2 is found mostly in Africa. At least ten different sub-types of HIV-1 have also been found. |
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When a person first seroconverts (the process of one's blood becoming infected with the virus) common occurrences include:
• rapid weight loss
• dry cough
• recurring fever or profuse night sweats
• profound and unexplained fatigue
• swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin or neck
• diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
• white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth or in the throat
• pneumonia
• red, brown, pink or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose or
eyelids
• memory loss, depression and other neurological disorders
Some people who contract HIV experience very strong symptoms, but others experience none at all. Symptoms can occur within days or weeks of exposure to the virus. The symptoms of early (or acute) HIV infection are often referred to as "flu-like" and are similar to symptoms of other infections, including sexually transmitted infections like mono and hepatitis. They can also be the symptoms of influenza (the flu). Many of these diseases are much more common and easier to transmit than HIV, and some can be just as serious.
If you have had a risky encounter or perhaps aren't sure, then it is always good to get tested because symptoms are not a definitive way to know if you have become infected with the virus. Even if you are not positive for HIV, you may have contracted another infection that should be treated. So you should still see a doctor. |
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HIV is a blood borne pathogen, which means that when the virus is present in a person's blood it may be transmitted through exposure to that blood. The most common means of exposure are semen and vaginal fluid (including menstrual blood) from unprotected sex (without a condom) or through exposure to blood from injection drug use (via contaminated needles or syringes). HIV can also be transmitted from mother to child through birth or by breast feeding. |
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HIV damages your immune system and, when left to it's own, will eventually destroy it's ability to protect your body. In a healthy person, the normal range of white blood cells called T4 lymphocyte cells (helper cells) is usually between 600 and 1200 (T4) cells per cubic millimeter (cells/mm3). The range depends on the test used. When human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enters the bloodstream it primarily infects T4 cells.
Asymptomatic individuals (people who do not experience symptoms) who are infected with HIV usually have a lower than normal T4 cell count. People with AIDS generally have between 0 and 350 T4 cells/mm3. The number of T8 lymphocyte cells (suppressor cells) in an HIV-infected person usually stays about the same. Because the number of T4 cells is low, the total T-cell count is lower than normal and the T4/T8 cell ratio is lower than the usual 2 to 1 ratio.
HIV infection not only reduces the number of T4 cells, it can also impair a T4 cell's functioning. HIV-infected individuals with very low T4 cell counts tend to have more serious infections. Therefore, regular immunologic tests to determine T4, T8, and total T-cell counts can be an important element in monitoring the health of an HIV-infected person. |
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The only way to know for sure if you are infected with HIV is to be tested. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether or not you have contracted the virus. Many people who become infected with HIV do not experience any symptoms at all for many years. An HIV antibody test has been available since 1985. This test was originally licensed for the purpose of screening blood donations, but is easily available and often free at various locations for testing people. |
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There are different types of tests for HIV infection. The EIA (enzyme immunoassay), which is often referred to as "ELISA", is the standard screening test used to detect the presence of antibodies to HIV through either a blood test or oral swab (OraSure). The EIA should never be used alone to diagnose an HIV infection. The reason is that EIA produces true negatives (which means that a negative test result is accurate), but can produce false positives (which means that a positive test result may be caused by something other than HIV). Therefore, the EIA should be used in conjunction with a confirmatory test such as the Western Blot (WB). For example, a positive EIA result plus a negative WB result is an "HIV negative" test. A positive EIA result plus a positive WB result is an "HIV positive" test.
Tests that detect other signs of HIV are available for special purposes, such as for additional testing of the blood supply and conducting research. Because some tests are expensive or require sophisticated equipment and specialized training, their use is limited. In addition to the EIA, other tests that are now available include:
• Consumer-controlled test kits (popularly known as "home test kits") were first licensed in 1997. Although numerous HIV home test systems are currently being marketed online and in newspapers and magazines, only the Home Access Test is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The accuracy of home test kits other than Home Access cannot be verified. The Home Access Test kit is marketed as either "The Home Access HIV-1 Test System" or "The Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System" and can be found at most local drug stores. The testing procedure involves pricking your finger with a special device, placing drops of blood on a specially treated card, then mailing the card to be tested at a licensed laboratory. Customers are given an identification number to use when phoning for their test results. Callers may speak to a counselor before taking the test, while waiting for the test result, and when getting the result.
• Radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA): A confirmatory blood test that may be used when antibody levels are very low or difficult to detect or when Western Blot test results are uncertain. An expensive test, the RIPA requires time and expertise to perform.
• Rapid latex agglutination assay: A simplified, inexpensive blood test that may prove useful in medically disadvantaged areas where there is a high prevalence of HIV infection.
• Dot-blot immunobinding assay: A rapid-screening blood test that is cost-effective and may become an alternative to conventional EIA and Western Blot testing.
• p24 antigen capture assay: Also known as the HIV-1 antigen capture assay. This blood test was added as an interim measure by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 to HIV-antibody testing to protect the blood supply further until other tests become available to detect early HIV infection before antibodies are fully developed. Because some activity of p24 antigen is unpredictable, this test is not useful for helping people find out if they have HIV.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): A specialized blood test that looks for HIV genetic information. Although expensive and labor-intensive, the test can detect the virus even in someone only recently infected. To further protect the blood supply, the FDA has indicated that the development and implementation of tests for HIV genetic material such as PCR is warranted. |
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A lot of places provide testing for HIV infection. Common test sites include local health departments, free clinics, offices of private doctors, hospitals, and sites specifically established to provide HIV testing. It is important to locate a test site that has the ability to answer your questions and provide counsel about HIV and AIDS. Counselors can not only answer any questions you might have about risky behavior and ways you can protect yourself and others in the future, but they can also help you understand the meaning of your test results and describe what HIV/AIDS-related resources are available in your local area. |
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How long after a possible exposure should I wait to get tested for HIV? |
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The commonly used test (EIA) to detect HIV infection actually looks for antibodies that your body produces to fight the virus. Most people will develop enough detectable antibodies within 3 months after infection (the average being 25 days). In rare cases, it can take up to 6 months.
The time it can take for a person who has been infected with HIV to produce enough antibodies to be detected is called the "window period".
If you have possibly been exposed to HIV, even recently, get a test now. Inquire if the test site also offers the PCR test, it can detect recent infections. If not, the EIA will provide your HIV status as of 3 months prior to the test date. If the results of your first tests are negative, repeat the tests 3 months after your possible exposure (most everyone will develop detectable antibodies within 3 months). If the results of your second tests are negative, you can be confident that you are not infected. Some people prefer to test again 6 months after the possible exposure.
It would be extremely rare to take longer than 6 months to develop detectable antibodies.
It is important, during the 6 months between the possible exposure and your tests, that you protect yourself and others from further possible exposures to HIV. |
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What's the difference between "anonymous" and "confidential" testing? |
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There is an important difference between "confidential" and "anonymous" HIV tests. It is not determined by the type of HIV test, but rather the policies of the test site and/or laws governing your area. With confidential testing you must provide your identity and the test result becomes part of your medical record which, by law, can only be released with your written permission. Confidential testing is a good option for people who need an official copy of their test result with their name on it. Anonymous testing leaves no paper trail. When you have an anonymous test you are known only by a number and the only person who learns the results is you. Anonymous HIV tests are not available in all states. |
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Rapid HIV tests for detecting antibodies is a screening test that produces quick results, usually in about 20 minutes. In comparison, results from commonly used antibody screening tests (EIA) with private physicians are normally available in 1 to 3 days, and with public health clinics in 1 to 3 weeks.
Currently, four rapid tests have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (OraQuick Advance, Uni-Gold Recombigen, Reveal G2, and Multispot). The availability of rapid HIV tests may differ from one test site to another. The tests may be performed by swabbing the gum for oral fluid, a finger stick or whole blood. The rapid HIV test is considered as accurate as the EIA.
Both the rapid test and the EIA look for the presence of antibodies to HIV. As is true for all screening tests (including EIA), a reactive rapid HIV test result must be confirmed before a diagnosis of infection can be given. |
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HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a retrovirus that can effectively disable the body's immune system and destroy its ability to fight diseases. If a person is infected with HIV, they do not necessarily have AIDS.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
An HIV-infected person receives an AIDS diagnosis after developing one of the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) defined AIDS indicators. An AIDS diagnosis can be given on the basis of certain blood tests (CD4 counts). A CD4 count of less than 200 or less than 15% indicates a severely damaged immune system and an AIDS diagnosis. Also, the presence of an Opportunistic Infection, regardless of the CD4 count, results in an AIDS diagnosis. A diagnosis of AIDS can only be made by a physician.
Many infections that cause problems or may be life threatening for people with AIDS are usually controlled by a healthy immune system. The immune system of a person with AIDS is weakened to the point that medical intervention may be necessary to prevent or treat serious illness. Medical treatments are available today that can slow the rate that HIV weakens the immune system. Other treatments can prevent or cure some of the illnesses associated with AIDS.
As with other diseases, early detection offers more options for treatment and preventative care.
Once a person is diagnosed with AIDS, they will always be considered to have AIDS regardless of future clinical changes. For example, if a person has HIV and a CD4 count below 200, they are diagnosed with AIDS. If their CD4 count later increases above 200, they are still considered to have AIDS.
Simply stated, HIV is a virus that is transmitted from person to person. AIDS is a condition of an HIV infected person's immune system.
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An Opportunistic Infection (OI) is one of a group of specific illnesses that occurs in people with damaged immune systems. Essentially, the infection is taking advantage of a weakened immunity, hence the term "opportunistic". Some infections that are considered opportunistic occur in otherwise healthy people, but can be a sign that your immunity is waning. It does not have to be treated with antivirals, but may resolve more quickly if it is. HIV positive people that develop ordinary infections, like colds or the flu, do not necessarily have an Opportunistic Infection. If a germ is powerful enough to infect healthy people, then it isn't considered to be opportunistic. People with healthy immune systems do not develop Opportunistic Infections.
Click on an infection below to learn more information from WebMD™
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Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) (more...) |
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Still the most common opportunistic infection, PCP is a serious infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs. |
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Toxoplasmosis (more...) |
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A protozoa that sometimes causes encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. |
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Oral Thrush (more...) |
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An infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus, also known as yeast. |
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (more...) |
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CMV is a herpes virus and one of the most common and feared Opportunistic Infections. |
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Tuberculosis (TB) (more...) |
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A serious bacterial disease that spreads through the air usually affects the lungs. |
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Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) (more...) |
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A group of bacteria that are related to tuberculosis and very common in food, water, and soil. |
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Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS) (more...) |
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A type of cancer that mainly affects the skin, mouth, and lymph nodes, but can also affect other organs such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. |
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AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC) (more...) |
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A condition that leads to the loss of intellectual abilities such as memory, judgment, and abstract thinking. |
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Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) (more...) |
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A group of bacteria that are related to tuberculosis and very common in food, water, and soil. |
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Cryptococcus neoformans (Crypto) (more...) |
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A serious fungal inflammation of membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord that can lead to meningitis. |
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Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML ) (more...) |
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A neurological disorder characterized by destruction of the myelin, an oily substance that helps protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. |
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Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C (more...) |
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Viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, are distinct diseases that affect the liver. |
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Oral hairy leukoplakia (Epstein Barr syndrome) (more...) |
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An infection that appears in the mouth as white lesions on the bottom or sides of the tongue. |
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| Other AIDS Related Skin Conditions: |
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Molluscum contagiosum (more...) |
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A contagious viral infection that is marked by smooth white or flesh-colored bumps on the skin. |
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Shingles (Herpes Zoster) (more...) |
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An infection caused by the chicken pox virus. |
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Psoriasis (more...) |
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A common skin disorder that produces thick, pink-to-red, itchy patches of skin covered with silvery scales. |
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Seborrheic Dermatitis (more...) |
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An inflammation of the skin around primarily in the head and groin. |
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People sometimes erroneously refer to an HIV test as an "AIDS test". They are different tests that provide different diagnosis. An HIV test determines if the person has been infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. If a person is infected with HIV, they do not necessarily have AIDS.
If a person is infected with HIV, they can and should be tested regularly to check the status of their immune system. One such test is a "CD4 count". If their CD4 count drops below 200 or 15% per cubic millimeter, they receive an AIDS diagnosis. For that reason, the CD4 count might be referred to as an AIDS test.
A person who is not infected with HIV cannot be tested for AIDS. |
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The good news is that there are increasingly effective treatments that slow HIV disease (i.e.: increase CD4 count, reduce viral load) and prevent or control the loss of cellular immunity that leads to many of the opportunistic diseases. Even for persons who have lost much of their immune system, there are medications that can prevent or forestall complications. For example, the chances of getting Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), a potentially life-threatening lung infection, can be nearly eliminated even for those with "full-blown" AIDS by PCP-prevention treatment.
The key is to know your HIV status. You cannot fight HIV if you don't know that you're infected. If you are infected, enroll in the care of a physician who specializes in HIV and AIDS. |
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HIV/AIDS Information