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OVERVIEW
TESTING
FOR Opportunistic infection:
You can be infected with an OI, and "test positive" for
it, even though you don't have the disease. For example, almost
everyone with HIV tests positive for Cytomegalovirus (CMV). But
it is very rare for CMV disease to develop unless the T-cell count
drops below 50, a sign of serious damage to the immune system.
To see if you're infected with
an OI, your blood might be tested for antigens (pieces of the germ
that causes the OI) or for antibodies (proteins made by the immune
system to fight the antigens). If either the antigens or the antibodies
are found, it means you're infected. If you are infected with a
germ that causes an OI, and if your T-cells are low enough to allow
that OI to develop, your doctor will look for signs of active disease.
These are different for the different Opportunistic infection.Please
check the referral chart
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON
Opportunistic infection?
Since people started taking the new combinations of antiviral drugs,
fewer people are getting Opportunistic infection. They still occur,
but it's not clear how many people with HIV will get a specific
OI.
The most common Opportunistic
infection is listed here, along with the disease they usually cause,
and the T-cell count when the disease becomes active.
Candidiasis
(Thrush) |
It is a fungal infection
of the mouth, throat, or vagina. |
T-cell range:
can occur even with fairly high T-cells. |
Cytomegalovirus
(CMV) |
It is a viral infection
that causes eye disease that can lead to blindness. |
T-cell range: under 50. |
Herpes Simplex
Viruses |
It can cause oral
herpes (cold sores) or genital herpes. These are fairly common
infections, but if you have HIV,the outbreaks can be much
more frequent and more severe. |
T -cell range: They can occur at any T-cell
count.
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Mycobacterium
Avium Complex (MAC or MAI) |
It is a bacterial infection
that can cause recurring fevers, general sick feelings, problems
with digestion, and serious weight loss. |
T-cell range:
under 75. |
Pneumocystis
Carinii Pneumonia (PCP) |
It is a protozoal infection
that can cause a fatal pneumonia. |
T-cell range: under 200. |
| Toxoplasmosis
(Toxo) |
It is a protozoal infection
of the brain. |
T-cell range: under 100. |
Tuberculosis
(TB) |
It is a bacterial infection
that attacks the lungs, and can cause meningitis. |
T-cell range: Everyone with HIV who tests
positive for exposure to TB should be treated.
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PREVENTING Opportunistic
infection:
Most of the germs that cause Opportunistic infection are quite common,
and you may already be carrying several of these infections. With
other Opportunistic infection, you can reduce the risk of infection
by keeping clean and avoiding known sources of infection.
Even if you're infected with
some Opportunistic infection, you can take medications that will
prevent the development of active disease. This is called prophylaxis.
TREATING Opportunistic
infection:
There has been a lot of progress in the treatment of Opportunistic
infection. For each OI, there are specific drugs, or combinations
of drugs, that seem to work best.
Many researchers also believe
that if we can rebuild a person's damaged immune system, they will
be protected against Opportunistic infection. When people use the
newest drugs that fight HIV, it's possible that their immune system
can repair some of the damage done by HIV, and can do a better job
of fighting Opportunistic infection.
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