AIDS is a serious disease that is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, according to the website, Kids Health. HIV destroys the immune system's CD4 helper lymphocytes, defense cells that are used to fight infectious diseases. As HIV destroys these lymphocytes, serious infections can occur resulting in a condition called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. HIV can be transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids and/or breast milk. The virus can spread through unprotected sex and/or sharing infected needles. Complications typically consist of bacterial and viral infections.
Mycobacterium Avium Complex
A serious complication associated with HIV and AIDS is mycobacterium avium complex, or MAC. Mycobacterium avium complex is an infection that occurs when a group of mycobacteria infect the respiratory tract and disseminate to cause multisystem infection. Patients with advanced HIV infection and a CD4 lymphocyte count less than 50 are more likely to develop a systemic infection that can affect almost any internal organ such as the bone marrow, liver or spleen, according to the MayoClinic.com. The AIDS Treatment Data Network states that the infection usually attacks the intestines and inner organs, first causing an elevated liver function, swelling and inflammation. Symptoms typically consist of fever, night sweats, anemia, weight loss, fatigue, stomach pain and diarrhea. Treatment typically includes a combination of antibiotics such as clarithromycin, azithromycin, ethambutol, rifabutin, rifampin, ciprofloxacin and/or amikacin.
Cytomegalovirus
People with HIV or AIDS are at risk for developing a viral infection called cytomegalovirus. Cytomegalovirus is a common herpes virus that is transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, urine, semen and/or breast milk, according to the MayoClinic.com. Normally, a healthy immune system can inactivate the virus causing it to remain dormant in the body, but if the immune system is weakened, the virus can reappear causing damage to the eyes, digestive tract, lungs and/or other organs. Cytomegalovirus typically inflames and infects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that lines the inner surface of the eye and sends images to the brain, but it can also involve the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system and/or lungs, sometimes causing blindness, according to the website, Kids Health. Symptoms may consist of fatigue, muscle aches, headache, fever, and enlarged liver and spleen. Anyone who currently has or previously had a cytomegalovirus infection in the past can pass on the virus to others, even if he is not displaying any symptoms. Treatment usually consists of intravenous antiviral medication or oral antiviral medications.
Herpes Simplex Virus
A viral infection associated with HIV and AIDS is herpes simplex virus, according to the MayoClinic.com. Herpes simplex includes oral herpes, which causes cold sores around the mouth or face; and genital herpes, which affects the genitals, buttocks and/or anal area, according to MedlinePlus. Genital herpes is transmitted during unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex. Symptoms usually begin with pain or irritated skin in the genital area, and progress into oozing and bleeding sores that erupt on the genitals, buttocks and/or anus. The sores eventually heal, but the virus can reappear periodically, triggering the same symptoms. People who have HIV tend to heal more slowly and have more severe symptoms than those who do not have the disease. While the herpes virus is not life threatening in adults, it can cause brain damage and blindness, if left untreated.
