Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, has killed almost 22 million people all over the world already and another 42 million people are battling the virus. But these figures are only the tip of the iceberg. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that another 252,000--312,000 cases of AIDS in the United States may still be unreported. In majority of cases, the cause of death is due to the weakened immune system and opportunistic infections.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, a disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a disease transmitted through the air when someone coughs, sneezes or even speaks. It is most commonly seen in places with limited air ventilation such as jails and shelters. The symptoms commonly seen in patients with tuberculosis include chronic coughing, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, low grade fever and sometimes coughing out of blood. Tuberculosis is curable. However, it is usually lethal if left untreated.
Taxoplasmosis
Taxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite usually found in birds and cats that roam freely. It can also be found in uncooked or undercooked meat. Symptoms include headache, changes in vision, disorientation and sometimes overt seizures. Treatment for taxoplasmosis must be done regularly to prevent recurrence of the development of symptoms.
Salmonella Infection
Salmonella is a food-borne bacteria commonly seen in uncooked or undercooked poultry, eggs and milk. It can also be passed through contaminated water, raw meat and animal feces. Symptoms may include high grade fever and sometimes diarrhea. Complications may include dehydration, arthritis and septicemia, a condition arising from uncontrolled salmonella infection in the blood. Salmonella infection can, however, be successfully treated with antibiotics.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
This disease is caused by a virus and is usually transmitted through sexual contact. It can also be passed from mother to child. Symptoms may include difficulty in gross motor movement such as walking because of the muscle weakness of the arms and legs, difficulty in talking, blurring of vision, headaches and sometimes seizures. No specific treatment is available for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. However, it was noted that patients receiving a combination of AIDS treatment usually have reversal of PML symptoms.
Wasting Syndrome
Wasting syndrome, or severe weight loss, refers to a weight loss of more than 10% of the baseline weight in an AIDS patient. Severe weight loss usually results from the loss of muscle bulk and fats and can be a direct consequence of the attack of opportunistic infections and their complications to the body. Wasting syndrome, however, can be prevented by providing a high-calorie, high-protein diet to AIDS patients.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis, or thrush, is a disease caused by fungal infection, most commonly seen in the mouth and lungs. It can also occur in the genital area in women. White, painful patches, which may be curd-like in appearance, may be seen on the tongue and gums, causing loss of appetite and changes in taste. Candidiasis can be successfully treated with antifungal medications.
Herpes Zoster
Herpes Zoster, more commonly known as shingles, is caused by a virus that usually causes chicken pox. Shingles appear as painful blisters developing on the patients skin. Treatment is focused on the healing and drying of the blisters. Antibiotic creams can also be used to prevent secondary bacterial infection from developing within the blisters.
HIV Dementia
HIV dementia, or confusion in HIV patients, is a direct result of HIV virus attacking the brain. Symptoms include memory loss, depression, difficulty in walking and changes in personality. However, with the advent of HIV medications, HIV dementia is now less common.
Kaposi Sarcoma
Kaposi sarcoma, more commonly known as KS, is the most common cancer seen in AIDS patients. KS is caused by a virus known as Human Herpes Virus 8 and can be transmitted through kissing and unprotected sex. It also can be transmitted from mother to child during delivery, and by sharing of needles. Symptoms associated with KS include skin blotches, which may vary in color such as brown, purple or pink, toothache and tooth loss, night sweats and fever of more than two weeks' duration. Unfortunately, no direct treatment exists for Kaposi sarcoma virus. Management of KS is only focused on relieving the symptoms.
