AIDS
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - B24
What is AIDS?
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus attacks the immune system—the body’s defense against harmful substances and pathogens—and impairs the function of CD4+ T lymphocytes, which are cells that coordinate the body’s defense against viruses, bacteria, and fungi
As these lymphocytes are destroyed, the immune system weakens and becomes unable to adequately protect the body
Symptoms
Initially, about 50% of patients may experience symptoms of acute infection. However, all individuals will go through an asymptomatic period that, in some cases, can last up to 10 years. During this time, there are no visible symptoms, but the risk of transmission is higher
In some cases, symptoms may begin to appear between two and four weeks after infection, including:
- fever
- headache
- extreme fatigue
- muscle and joint pain
- sore throat
- swollen lymph nodes (small glands throughout the body that help the immune system function properly)
- skin changes, such as red spots or rashes
During treatment, immune cells may reach a critical level, resulting in opportunistic infections caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses when immunity is low. These may include:
- unexplained weight loss
- night sweats
- extreme fatigue
- chronic diarrhea
- infections that can affect the entire body, such as esophageal candidiasis
- recurrent infections of the skin or mucous membranes (moist surfaces of the body, such as the mouth and nose)
- difficulty concentrating and memory loss (neurological problems)
- development of certain types of cancer
As the HIV virus multiplies and CD4+ T lymphocytes are destroyed, opportunistic infections emerge and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) may manifest. This process can take time—or may not occur at all—but even without developing the disease, a person with HIV can still transmit the virus
Diagnosis
In diagnosis, direct viral detection through PCR testing can yield a positive result as early as 10 to 15 days after exposure. In the case of serology (antibody detection), this window extends to 15 to 30 days after exposure
It is important to emphasize that a healthcare professional should be the one to evaluate and determine the most appropriate time to perform each test
Treatment
Although there is still no definitive cure for HIV, there are therapies that prevent the virus from spreading throughout the body. These treatments help control the infection and allow patients to live better with the disease
The standard treatment is antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves a combination of different medications with the primary goal of reducing the amount of virus in the body
ART not only controls HIV infection but also helps preserve immune function and prevent the development of AIDS and other related complications. It is extremely important to start treatment as early as possible after diagnosis to minimize health damage
In addition to ART, treatment may include medications to prevent or treat complications that more frequently affect people with weakened immune systems. Examples include pneumocystosis, tuberculosis, and other bacterial infections that may arise due to immune system dysfunction
It is essential that treatment be supervised by a healthcare professional, such as an infectious disease specialist, who can perform regular tests, monitor treatment effectiveness, adjust antiretroviral therapy, manage potential side effects, and provide emotional and social support
Prevention
In addition to education and awareness about the disease, there are measures focused on reducing the risk of virus transmission, such as:
- using condoms during sexual intercourse
- never sharing needles or syringes; if their use is necessary, ensure they are used only once
- getting tested regularly
Pregnant women infected with the virus should be especially vigilant and receive close medical follow-up. It is usually recommended that they take antiretroviral medications, which do not eliminate HIV but help prevent the immune system from weakening during pregnancy. This treatment helps prevent the baby from becoming infected with HIV during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (vertical transmission)
One of the ways to prevent HIV is PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It involves taking pills before sexual activity, allowing the body to be prepared in case of potential contact with the virus
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), on the other hand, is an emergency prevention method used shortly after a situation with a risk of virus transmission—such as sexual assault, unprotected sex or condom failure, and occupational accidents involving sharp instruments or direct contact with biological material
References
AIDS / HIV — Ministry of Health
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