The University of California, San Francisco writes that advanced HIV and AIDS severely compromise the immune system. The immune system is weakened to such a degree that patients succumb to diseases that are normally easily fought off by a healthy immune system. These are called "opportunistic infections" or OIs, according to AIDS.Org. Of the myriad opportunistic infections, there are five more common diseases that are fatal to HIV patients.
Liver Disease
According to the University of California, San Francisco, liver disease is the top cause of death among HIV and AIDS patients, more specifically the kind caused by hepatitis. Unfortunately, much of the medication used in treating HIV and AIDS may cause liver disease or hepatitis; therefore, patients who develop hepatitis should have it treated at the soonest possible time.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is listed by the University of California, San Francisco as another opportunistic infection that can commonly afflict HIV and AIDS patients. The disease causes malignant tumors to grow from white blood cells in the lymphatic system.
Kaposi's Sarcoma
Avert.Org mentions Kaposi's sarcoma as another common opportunistic infection among patients with advanced HIV and AIDS. The University of California, San Francisco cites it as the most common form of AIDS-related cancer. The disease causes reddish purple lesions to appear on the skin, lymph nodes, mouth, gastrointestinal tract and even the lungs.
Toxoplasmosis
AIDS.Org defines this disease as a form of protozoal brain infection. It is caused by a parasite called the toxoplasma gondii, which can be inhaled. Once the parasite infects the brain, it can cause fever, headaches and even changes in personality and seizures. The disease may eventually lead to a coma, and then death. According to the University of California, San Francisco, it may also affect the eyes, causing impaired vision and pain.
Tuberculosis
The University of California, San Francisco explains that tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial disease that primarily infects the lungs. AIDS.Org further elaborates that about a third of the global population are infected with TB. However, because a healthy immune system can keep the disease in check, many of those infected do not develop symptoms. Once the immune system has been impaired by HIV, patients with TB may develop symptoms such as cough, constant fatigue, fever and may also experience significant weight loss. Avert.Org cites tuberculosis as a leading cause of death among HIV and AIDS patients in Africa.
