Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a pandemic disease that can be transmitted by transfer of bodily fluids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are an estimated 1.1 million people living with HIV in the United States of America. HIV causes damage to the body's immune system and reduces the white blood cell count. It renders the body susceptible to infections and diseases. In the advanced stages of HIV, it becomes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is defined by a white blood cell count below 200 or the presence of infections such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease, cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis, and candidiasis.
Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP)
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), also known as Pneumocystis jiroveci, is an infection that is seen in the final stages of HIV, when it advances to AIDS. According to the New Mexico AIDS Education and Training Center, it is the most common infection seen in advanced stage HIV, and the cause of death in many HIV patients. It is a fungal infection that causes the AIDS patient to develop a high fever and dry cough, and experience difficulty breathing.
Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC)
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a serious illness that is seen in the final stages of HIV, when the white blood cell count is below 50. It spreads throughout the body and can be seen in the spleen, intestines, bone marrow, lungs and liver. It causes high fever, diarrhea, chills, weight loss, stomach cramps and unusual fatigue.
Cytomegalovirus
According to the New Mexico AIDS Education and Training Center, Cytomegalovirus damages the cells of the retina during the final stages of HIV. This can affect vision and cause blindness. It causes the retina to become inflamed, and decreases vision.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis is an infection that is seen in the final stages of HIV. It targets the mouth, throat and vagina, and causes the development of white lesions. It can cause pain in the mouth and throat, difficulty with swallowing, and burning and irritation in the vagina.
