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Stages of HIV infection

Edited by Bratislav Prokić
22.3.2022.

The natural course of untreated HIV infection has several stages and ends in death.

What are the stages of HIV infection?
Untreated HIV infection has four stages 1) acute 2) asymptomatic, 3) symptomatic and 4) stage of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Although HIV cannot be cured, HIV therapy can slow or prevent HIV from progressing from one stage to another.

What is acute HIV infection?
The primary or acute stage lasts from 2 to 4 weeks after infection, until the body produces enough antibodies that can be detected by an antibody test (window period). Due to rapid reproduction and a large number of viruses in the body (high viral load), HIV can be easily transmitted, for instance, sexually.

What is seroconversion?
Seroconversion is the process of creation of antibodies in response to the presence of HIV virus. It occurs after several weeks of infection. During this period, most people develop some flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches (so-called seroconversion symptoms).

What is asymptomatic HIV infection?
The asymptomatic or latent stage is the second stage of untreated HIV infection in which the infected person has no symptoms, but the virus multiplies in the body, gradually weakening the immune system. This period lasts from 2 to 15 years.

What is symptomatic HIV infection?
The third stage of untreated HIV infection is symptomatic. It occurs after HIV has severely damaged the immune system. Symptoms can be milder or more severe: persistent diarrhea, night sweats, skin changes, pneumonia, weight loss, fatigue, etc.

What is AIDS?
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the final stage of untreated and advanced HIV infection and it means loss of immunity. Opportunistic infections and cancers can occur: Kaposi’s sarcoma, toxoplasmosis, pneumocystis pneumonia, etc. Without adequate treatment, these infections are fatal.