HIV, Opportunistic Infections (OIs) & Tuberculosis

Damage to your immune system from HIV can result in the development of opportunistic infections (OIs). These are infections common to HIV/AIDS that occur when the body's immune system is weakened. Symptoms vary from infection to infection and may include such different signs as cold sores and extreme weight loss . The subject matter regarding opportunistic infections is extensive, and additional reading on aidsmap treatment and care of opportunistic infections is recommended.

Common OIs include:

Fungal infections, such as frequent yeast infections, thrush
Bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis
Viral infections, such as herpes simplex
Parasitic infections, such as toxoplasmosis
Recurrent pneumonias

Your CD4 cell counts can play a role in determining your risk for getting an infection. Certain factors, such as ethnicity and sharing needles for injection drug use, can put you at a higher risk for different OIs. The good news is that HIV medications used in HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) may help reduce your risk of infection.

It is important to tell your doctor about any new HIV symptoms that are severe or don't go away, such as fever, swollen glands, night sweats, headaches, diarrhea, or weight loss. These symptoms could be a sign of HIV progression. Talking with your doctor about how to prevent OIs can help you better manage your health.

HIV and Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterial infection that can be fatal for people with HIV. TB can damage your lungs and make it difficult for you to breathe.

If someone with TB coughs or sneezes near you, there is a good chance that you will breathe in infected particles because TB is airborne. People with a healthy immune system can usually fight off the infection, but you have less chance of doing so if you have HIV and your immune system is weakened.

Symptoms of active TB include a persistent cough, coughing up sputum or blood, a pain in your chest, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, chills, fever and night sweats.

Active TB disease can be treated with a combination of antibiotics. They usually need to be taken for several months, possibly up to a year. The treatment you are prescribed may depend on whether you are currently taking HIV medication and, if so, what antiretroviral (ARV) medications you are taking.

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