Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a human-specific virus that affects otherwise healthy immune systems. Certain cell types that are typically infected are white blood cells, endothelilal cells, and some types of neurological cells. Ultimately, infection with HIV may cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS, which is defined as the late stages of the disease. While some people infected with HIV may display no significant symptoms for many years after infection, others may begin to experience the effects almost immediately.
Opportunistic Infections
The single biggest problem associated with the AIDS disease is the lack of a functional immune system. Without a working immune system, AIDS sufferers are at a severe risk to all types of infection because their body can no longer fight them off. According to AIDS.org, infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungus on a person who has an ineffective immune system are called opportunistic infections. Some common opportunistic infections include tuberculosis, pneumonia, herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus.
Cancer
AIDS sufferers are also at a much higher risk for developing certain types of cancers. These cancers include lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells and usually is identified in the lymph node system. Kaposi's sarcoma is a cancer of the blood vessel walls and is uncommon in people who are not HIV positive. Both of these cell types are directly infected by the HIV virus, and the cancer occurs as a result of the constant replication of the virus in these cells.
Liver Damage
Severe liver damage and/or failure can also occur in people living with AIDS. Due to the weakened immune system, those who have been infected with hepatitis and AIDS have an increased risk of liver damage, including the development of liver cancer. According to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, when compared to men who have hepatitis B virus alone, men who had both HIV and hepatitis B were 17 times more likely to die of liver failure.
Kidney Disease
Some of those with HIV are also further at risk for developing kidney disease. Those at higher risk include those that are also infected with hepatitis B, have diabetes, high blood pressure, are older, or carry an overall higher viral count. Additionally, people with HIV are often taking anti-viral medications for life, which can also contribute to chronic kidney disease. Those with kidney disease cannot properly filter out toxins and water within the blood, and may need to constantly undergo blood dialysis or receive a kidney transplant.
