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Human immunodeficiency virus disease and immunodeficiency syndromes
Immunodeficiency results from absence or failure of one or more elements of the immune system. It may be acquired, e.g. acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or inherited, e.g. chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.
Human immunodeficiency virus disease
Infection with HIV is a progressive process that mostly leads to the development of AIDS.
Aetiopathogenesis
HIV1 and HIV2 (the latter mainly found in West Africa) are retroviruses which incorporate into a cell’s DNA. The virus infects and depletes CD4 + T lymphocytes, leading to loss of cell-mediated immunity and opportunistic infection. HIV is spread by infected body fluids, e.g. blood or semen. High-risk groups for HIV infection include men who have sex with men, intravenous drug users and haemophiliacs who have received infected blood products.
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