Untreated HIV: The Progressive Effects on the Body

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that targets the immune system, specifically the CD4 T cells, which are crucial for a healthy immune response. Over time, untreated HIV can significantly impact the body, leading to a range of health complications. This article provides a detailed overview of the effects of untreated HIV on the body.

1. Initial Infection: Acute HIV Infection

Within 2 to 4 weeks after infection, individuals may experience flu-like symptoms known as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS). These symptoms can include:

Fever Sore throat Feeling fatigued Swollen lymph nodes Rash

The virus replicates rapidly during this phase, leading to high viral loads in the blood.

2. Clinical Latency Stage

After the acute phase, HIV may enter a clinical latency stage lasting several years. During this phase, the virus is still active but reproduces at very low levels, and individuals may not exhibit symptoms.

Immune System Impact: The virus continues to attack CD4 T cells, which are crucial for a healthy immune response. Over time, the number of these cells decreases, leading to:

Increased susceptibility to infections and certain cancers Higher risk of opportunistic infections (OIs) such as pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), tuberculosis (TB), candidiasis (thrush), and toxoplasmosis

3. Progression to AIDS

If left untreated, the virus continues to damage the immune system, leading to a decline in CD4 T cell count. When this count drops below 200 cells/mm3, it progresses to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is characterized by a significantly weakened immune system.

Opportunistic Infections and Cancer: AIDS makes individuals highly susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers, including:

Kaposi sarcoma Non-Hodgkin lymphoma Cervical cancer

Neurological Complications: HIV can also affect the central nervous system, leading to conditions like HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND).

4. Long-Term Health Effects

Chronic Inflammation: Ongoing immune activation and inflammation can lead to chronic health issues such as:

Cardiovascular disease Kidney disease Liver disease

Increased Cancer Risk: Individuals with untreated HIV are at higher risk for certain cancers, including Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cervical cancer.

5. Quality of Life

Physical Health Decline: As the immune system deteriorates, overall health declines, leading to symptoms such as:

Feeling fatigued Weight loss Chronic health problems

Mental Health Impact: The stigma and challenges associated with living with HIV can lead to mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

Without treatment, HIV can lead to severe immune system damage and a host of related health complications, significantly impacting quality of life and life expectancy. Early diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are crucial for managing the virus, preserving immune function, and preventing the progression to AIDS.