AIDS

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AIDS Diagnosis & Tests

The following is a list of AIDS-related infections and cancers that people with AIDS acquire as their CD4 count decreases. Previously, having AIDS was defined by having HIV infection and acquiring one of these additional diseases, but now it is simply defined as a CD4 count below 200. Many other illnesses and corresponding symptoms may develop in addition to those listed here.

Common with CD4 count below 350/ml:

• Herpes Simplex Virus -- causes ulcers in your mouth or genitals, occurring more frequently and more severely than previously
• Tuberculosis -- infection by the tuberculosis bacteria that predominately affects the lungs
• Oral or vaginal thrush -- yeast infection of the mouth or genitals
• Herpes zoster -- ulcers over a discrete patch of skin caused by this virus
• Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma -- cancer of the lymph glands

CD4 count below 200/ml

• Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, "PCP pneumonia"
• Candida esophagitis -- painful yeast infection of the esophagus

CD4 count below 100/ml

• Cryptococcal meningitis -- infection of the brain by this fungus
• AIDS Dementia -- worsening and slowing of mental function caused by HIV itself
• Toxoplasmosis encephalitis -- infection of the brain by this parasite, which is frequently found in cat feces
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy -- a viral disease of the brain caused by a virus (called the JC virus) that results in a quick decline in cognitive and motor functions
• Wasting Syndrome -- extreme weight loss and anorexia caused by HIV

CD4 count below 50/ml

• Mycobacterium Avium -- a blood infection by a bacterium related to tuberculosis
• Cytomegalovirus infection -- a viral infection that can affect almost any organ system, especially the eyes

In addition to the CD4 lymphocyte count, chest X-rays, Pap smears, and other tests are useful in managing HIV disease. Gay men who engage in receptive anal sex may wish to consider anal Pap smears to detect potential cancers.