ACTA.FAC.MED.NAISS. 1999; 16(2), 81-88
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Educative work ACTA.FAC.MED.NAISS. 1999; 16(2), 81-88 |
CLINICAL SPECTRUM OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS DISEASE
Dubravka Salemoviæ
Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) induces an insidious, progressive loss of immune system function, which ultimately results in opportunistic infections (OI) and malignances defining acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The median time from initial infection to the development of AIDS is approximately 10 years. CD4 count values are of predictive importance as they correlate with the risk of development of certain OIs. This is why the CD4 cell count, along with HIV-related conditions, are incorporated in the HIV disease staging system revised by Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Clinical characteristics of the most common HIV-related conditions will be reviewed in this article following the chronology of their development and the organ systems disorders that they may induce.
Key words: HIV disease, clinical spectrum