Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, progressively destroys CD4+ lymphocytes, making the body susceptible to attack by infectious pathogens and many forms of cancer. As the HIV virus replicates within the CD4+ T cells, it progressively destroys and depletes them making the individual susceptible to opportunistic diseases.
Kaposi Sarcoma
As HIV progresses to AIDS, the immune system is severely weakened leaving the individual susceptible to infections such as human herpes virus 8, or HHV-8. Kaposi sarcoma is malignant tumor of the connective tissue that many AIDS patients develop. According to Merck Manual Online Medical Library, Kaposi sarcoma originates from the endothelial cells as a response to an infection by the HHV-8 virus. The disease is manifested dermatologically as a modular rash that may be pink, purple or red. This rash may coalesce into blue-violet plaques and may range in size from a few millimeters to large confluent areas.
Hairy Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is disease of the mucous membrane of the mouth and is characterized by lesions on the tongue and inside of the cheek. Hairy leukoplakia is an unusual form of leukoplakia that is only seen in HIV positive individuals due to reduced immunologically responses. It is characterized by fuzzy white patches on the tongue due an infection by the Epstein-Barr virus. According to Maxillofacialcenter.com, hairy leukoplakia is found in 80 percent of AIDS patients. Its presence is correlated with progression into AIDS because of depleted CD4+ T cells that make the intraoral environment a prime target for chronic secondary infections.
Pneumocystis Pneumonia
Pneumocystis pneumonia, or PCP, is a type of pneumonia caused by a bacteria known as Pneumocystis jiroveci. Population studies have shown that the incidence of PCP is extremely high in individuals with HIV. According Hivinsite.org, the estimated rate of PCP in AIDS patients in San Francisco was 150 times greater than an age-matched population, while in New Jersey the estimated rate of infection was 300 times greater than that in age-matched populations.
