HIV-Related Disease
HIV-Related Disease : Symptoms of HIV- infection may occur both at the beginning of HIV infection and after immune compromise sets in leading to AIDS. During the initial infection with HIV, when the virus comes into contact with the mucosal surface, it finds susceptible target cells and moves to lymphoid tissue where massive production of the virus ensues. This leads to a burst of high-level viremia (virus in the bloodstream) with wide dissemination of the virus. Some people may have flu-like symptoms at this stage but these are generally referred to as symptoms of primary infection rather than HIV-related disease. The resulting immune response to suppress the virus is only partially successful and some virus escapes and may remain undetectable for months to years. Eventually high viral turnover leads to destruction of the immune system. HIV disease is, therefore, characterized by a gradual deterioration of immune function. During the course of infection, crucial immune cells, called CD4+ T cells, are disabled and killed, and their numbers progressively decline
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