Conditions associated with HIV infection organised by system

Conditions associated with HIV infection and its consequent immunosuppression, directly give rise to the morbidity and mortality of AIDS.

The following constitutional symptoms (usually seen in primary HIV infection) can be seen in advanced symptomatic HIV and in related opportunistic infection or a tumour (1).

• fever
• weight loss
• sweats
• lymphadenpoathy – the probability of HIV infection is higher if the lymphadenopathy
  • persists for more than 3 months
  • is seen in two or more extra-inguinal sites
  • is present in the absence of any other cause (2)

Reference:

• (1) The Medical Foundation for AIDS & Sexual Health (MedFASH) 2008. HIV for non-HIV specialists, diagnosing the undiagnosed: A practical guide for healthcare professionals secondary care to support improved detection and diagnosis of HIV in the UK.
• (2) The Medical Foundation for AIDS & Sexual Health (MedFASH) 2005. HIV in primary care: an essential guide to HIV for GPs, practice nurses and other members of the primary healthcare team