HIV Type 2, or HIV-2, was identified in 1986 in a West African AIDS patient, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Both HIV types are very similar in terms of mode of infection and symptoms, Avert.org says. However, they differ in terms of progress rate and virulence. HIV-2 progresses more slowly and is less virulent in its early stage. Virulence increases as the infection develops, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Diarrhea
As HIV-2 reaches later phases of development, you may develop loose bowel movement. The diarrhea may be a reaction to medication but is more likely due to infections and pathogens. The body's immune system is generally compromised by this stage of the disease, so various other infections that cause loose bowel movement often develop as a result, Avert.org says.
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
During the early phase of infection, HIV-2 causes lymph nodes to enlarge. This is normally within a few days after initial infection, according to MayoClinic.com. Swollen lymph nodes are caused by the immune system's initial attempts to fight the virus.
Influenza-like Symptoms
Symptoms normally associated with the influenza virus, or flu, may appear within the initial weeks following infection. The precise severity of influenza-like symptoms may vary and eventually fade as HIV-2 enters the asymptomatic phase of infection, according to Avert.org.
Inflammation of the Throat
HIV-2 can cause an inflammation of the throat during the early phase of infection, says MayoClinic.com. This symptom is often an initial immune response. The inflammation eventually subsides when the virus temporarily becomes asymptomatic.
Weight Loss
When HIV-2 reaches the later phases of its development, it can cause weight loss, says MayoClinic.com. The weight loss is often due to a combination of medication side effects and other complications caused by the virus.
Low Lymphocyte Count
HIV-2 systematically infects and destroys the CD4 lymphocytes of the body, according to MayoClinic.com. The CD4 lymphocyte count of a healthy person is between 800 to 1,200. However, HIV-2 whittles the lymphocyte count to less than 200.
Opportunistic Infections
As HIV-2 advances to its later stages, various forms of infections take advantage of the compromised immune system. These infections are collectively known as opportunistic infections, according to Avert.org.
Skin Eruption
The initial phase of HIV infection can cause skin rashes to erupt, according to MayoClinic.com and Avert.org. The severity of the skin rash may vary from person to person. The rash eventually goes away when HIV-2 enters the asymptomatic phase of infection.
