Asymptomatic HIV Infection

Is a phase of chronic infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during which no symptoms of HIV infection. 

Alternative Names 

HIV infection without symptoms 

Causes, incidence and risk factors 

Asymptomatic HIV infection is a period of varying length in which there is an immune system slowly deteriorates without symptoms. 

The duration of this phase varies from person to person. It depends on how fast you are copying the HIV virus itself and the genetic differences that affect how the immune system handles the virus. 

Some people can go 10 years or more without symptoms, while others may have symptoms and worsening immune function within a few years after the original infection. 

Symptoms 

Asymptomatic HIV infection, by definition, have no symptoms associated with HIV, including: 

Fever 
Opportunistic infections (such as pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, cytomegalovirus and Mycobacterium avium) 
Oral Candidiasis 
Weight Loss 
Exams and Tests 

The diagnosis of HIV infection is based on standard blood tests such as the HIV antibody test (ELISA). An immunoblot (Western blot) confirms the diagnosis. 

Treatment 

The appropriate time for a person without symptoms should receive therapy is controversial. People who are asymptomatic but who have CD4 counts less than 200 should be on therapy. 

Some doctors would also treat people with CD4 counts between 200 and 350, but the toxic side effects of antiretroviral drugs have made this less common. 

Doctors must consider other factors such as patient readiness and ability to comply with therapy, before initiating antiretroviral therapy. 

Support Groups 

View support group for AIDS 

Expectations (prognosis) 

HIV is a chronic condition that can be treated but not cured. The combinations of antiretroviral drugs have significantly delayed the progression to AIDS and decreased the incidence of opportunistic infections associated with AIDS. 

Complications 

People with asymptomatic infection can progress to symptomatic HIV infection develop opportunistic infections associated with HIV. In addition, pregnant women with asymptomatic HIV infection can still transmit HIV to her fetus. 

Calling your health care 

Call your doctor if you have HIV and fever, weight loss, swollen glands, or night sweats. It is necessary for medical examination and he may consider giving you antiretroviral therapy. 

Prevention 

You can lower the risk of transmitting HIV infection by practicing safe sexual behaviors, like avoiding contact with contaminated blood (not using injection drugs or sharing needles or syringes, and proper screening of blood products). 

People who are at risk for HIV infection should have regular testing to ensure early diagnosis of this infection, since availability of many treatment options.