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Asymptomatic HIV Infection
Alternate Names : HIV Infection - Asymptomatic
Definition A variable phase during chronic viral infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) characterized by the absence of clinical symptoms of HIV infection.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Asymptomatic HIV infection is a period of varying length in which there is slow deterioration of the immune system without clinical symptoms. There is frequently a decline in the CD4 counts, an index of immune function.
The length of this phase is highly variable among individuals and correlates with the level of replication of HIV in each individual, as well as genetic differences in the way the immune system handles the virus.
In some individuals, the asymptomatic phase can last 10 years or longer, while in others, clinical symptoms and worsening immune function may occur within a few years from the time of original infection.
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• Definition
• Asymptomatic HIV Infection Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Asymptomatic HIV Infection Symptoms & Signs
• Asymptomatic HIV Infection Prevention
• Asymptomatic HIV Infection Diagnosis & Tests
• Asymptomatic HIV Infection Treatment
• Asymptomatic HIV Infection Prognosis
• Asymptomatic HIV Infection Complications
• Asymptomatic HIV Infection Support Groups
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• AIDS
• Early Symptomatic HIV Infection
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Tests & Exams
• HIV ELISA/Western Blot
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• Stress and Anxiety
Review Date : 2/22/2002
Reviewed By : Rocio Hurtado, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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