Home > The Most Dangerous Complications of HIV and AIDS
Published on
April 20, 2019
HIV overview
Living with HIV can result in a weakened immune system. This makes the body more susceptible to a host of illnesses. Over time, HIV attacks the body’s CD4 cells. These cells play a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system. People living with HIV can proactively reduce the likelihood of developing common, life-threatening illnesses by taking their prescribed daily medications and practicing healthy living habits.
What are HIV-related infections?
Opportunistic infections (OIs) capitalize on weakened immune systems. In general, complications of HIV don’t occur if the body’s CD4 count is higher than 500 cells per cubic millimeter. Most life-threatening complications occur when the CD4 count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter.
OI illnesses may have little to no significant impact on a person with a healthy immune system. However, they can cause devastating effects for people living with HIV. OIs typically present when the CD4 count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter. They are considered stage 3 HIV (or AIDS-defining) conditions.
In general, a person living with HIV will not present with OIs if their CD4 count is above 500 cells per cubic millimeter.
The following 20 OIs have been defined by the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTrusted Source as stage 3 HIV (or AIDS-defining) illnesses.
Infections common with HIV
Candidiasis. This is a common fungal infection that’s also known as thrush. It can be treated with antifungal medications after a simple visual examination.
Coccidioidomycosis. This common fungal infection can lead to pneumonia if left untreated.
Cryptococcosis. This fungal infection often enters through the lungs. It can quickly spread to the brain, often leading to cryptococcal meningitis. Left untreated, this fungal infection is often fatal.
Cryptosporidiosis. This diarrheal disease often becomes chronic. It’s characterized by severe diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
Cytomegalovirus. This common global virus affects most adults during their lifetime. It often presents with eye or gastrointestinal infections.
HIV-related encephalopathy. This is often referred to as HIV-related dementia. It can be defined as a degenerative brain condition that affects people with CD4 counts of less than 100.
Herpes simplex (chronic) and herpes zoster. Herpes simplex produces red, painful sores that appear on the mouth or genital area. Herpes zoster, or shingles, presents with painful blisters on skin surfaces. While there is no cure for either, medications are available to alleviate some symptoms.
Histoplasmosis. This environmental fungal infection is commonly treated with antibiotics.
Isosporiasis. This is a parasitic fungus. It develops when people drink or come into contact with contaminated food and water sources. It’s currently treated with antiparasitic drugs.
Mycobacterium avium complex.
A variety of cancers frequently present in people living with HIV. Treatment will vary based upon the person’s cancer type and health condition.
Cervical cancer. Women living with HIV are at greater risk of developing cervical cancer. An impaired immune system presents challenges associated with treating this form of cancer.
Cancers common with HIV
If a person presents with one or more OIs, the disease will likely be categorized as stage 3 HIV (or AIDS), regardless of the person’s current CD4 cell count. OIs are currently the leading cause of death for people living with HIV. However, antiretroviral therapies (HAART) and prophylaxis have shown promise in preventing these diseases, when taken as directed.
