Opportunistic InfectionsIt is necessary to know about the opportunistic infections regarding HIV. However, it would be useful for you to learn about HIV, as opportunistic infections are related to the disease. First, let us learn about HIV and AIDS. HIV, the acronym describes Human Immunodeficiency syndrome. On the other hand AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno deficiency syndrome. HIV infection leads to AIDS in an individual. There are four stages involved before HIV develops.
The main function that HIV performs is to destroy the T-cells that are also described as CD4 calls. The immune system is formed by these cells. Once HIV damages these cells, an individual becomes weak. He/she will not be able to fight with various diseases and infections as HIV stages develop. The other important thing is that HIV hides itself as well as reproduces in order to take over the immune system. In the third stage of HIV infection that is known as symptomatic HIV, infections and diseases take the advantage of the collapsed immune system. They attack on the immune system and lead it to the fourth stage. The fourth stage is known as AIDS. These infections that take the benefit of the weakened immune system are called as opportunistic infections. Let us see the various opportunistic infections and their side effects on the CD4 cells count We carry out many germs like fungi, bacteria, protozoa and viruses unknowingly. Normally, when an individual is without any infection such as HIV or other, the immune system can resist and defeat these infections. Nevertheless, when an individual gets infected with HIV, such invaders take over the immune system in certain stage of HIV infection. They take advantage of the weakened immune system and therefore allow opportunistic infection. They make use of the opportunity. Damaged immune system cannot fight with them and succumb to the last stage of HIV infection that is AIDS. Various opportunistic infections Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC or MAI)A bacterial infection is caused by Mycobacterium avium complex and as a result of this an individual suffers from serious weight loss, fever, sick feelings and problems with the digestion. CD4 cells count is under 75. Herpes simplex viruses Cytomegalovirus (CMV) - This viral infection leads to eye diseases and some times to blindness. CD4 count remains under fifty. TB (Tuberculosis) - TB is a bacterial infection that attacks the lungs. If a person is HIV infected and has TB then he/she should be treated. HSV - Genital herpes or oral herpes are the most common infections that occur because of HSV. If you are HIV infected then the outbreaks of the disease would be severe and frequent. Different count of CD4 cells can be seen. PCP Pneumocystis pneumonia - The fungal infection leads to fatal pneumonia in people infected with HIV. The CD4 count would be under 200. Toxoplasmosis (Toxo ) - It is an infection of the brain and CD4 cells count is under 200. Thrush (Candidacies) It is a fungal infection that infects the throat and the vagina. This infection can take place with fairly high CD4 cells. Malaria - Usually, malaria is the most widespread disease. Nevertheless, it can be harsher in infected people with HIV. Opportunistic infections can lead you to the further stage of the HIV infection as well as could be severe in HIV infected person. Some of the opportunistic infections are furnished here so you can get more information about them. |
