Care of HIV Patients

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) establishes lifelong infection, causing progressive immune system damage eventuating in profound CD4 T-lymphocyte depletion, the defining laboratory hallmark of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is transmitted sexually and parenterally by infected blood and from mother to child. HIV disease progression is remarkably heterogeneous between individuals, ranging from years to decades. Immune activation characterizes all stages of HIV, exacerbating morbidity due to diverse causes. AIDS is characterized by opportunistic infections (OIs), opportunistic malignancies, wasting and/or profound neurologic impairment. Simple, well-tolerated antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses HIV replication, preserves and improves CD4 cell counts and immune function, and reduces HIV transmission. Early identification and treatment of HIV infection has the potential to substantially improve the health of individuals and their communities.