Clinical features: The spectrum of disease due to HIV infection ranges from mild, non-specific conditions (e.g. persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, PGL, herpes zoster, seborrheic eczema) to its severe form i.e. AIDS. Infection by the human immunodeficiency virus lead to gradual and progressive destruction of the cell mediated immune system.

The clinical features may be due to HIV per se or as a result of immune system destruction. Prolonged fever, diarrhoea, weight loss, oral thrush or aggressive Kaposi's sarcoma may be found in patients with advanced disease. Most patients, however, present with symptoms due to opportunistic infections (which are usually curable) e.g. tuberculosis, candidiasis or pyogenic infections.

Treatment Guidelines