All HIV Positive People Are At Risk For CNS Infections
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It is a well known fact that HIV takes a toll on the immune system. The virus attacks and destroys the body's natural defences which makes it a lot easier for other viruses to get a foothold. Opportunistic central nervous system infections tend to be a fairly prevalent problem for those infected with HIV.
It is recommended that all patients infected with HIV be monitored for signs and symptoms of opportunistic central nervous system infections. Many people have the latent virus in their systems. Once HIV begins to weaken the immune system these latent pathogens have a tendency to reactivate. The typical stage for this to occur is when the CD4-cell count drops below the 200 cells per millilitre concentration. It is actually possible for patients who are not aware of their HIV status to first become aware of their status as a result of exhibiting signs of certain opportunistic CNS infections.
It is not uncommon for patients with one opportunistic central nervous system infection to also have more than one central nervous system infection. This is generally discovered when antiretroviral treatment is started. It is important that the treatment be continued in conjunction with antimicrobial treatment to target the CNS pathogens. The treatment will frequently need to be continued until the CD4-cell count reaches more than 200 cells per millilitre.
The life cycle of the infection varies from pathogen to pathogen. Some will show in a few hours while others may take as long as a few months to present with enough symptoms to allow diagnosis. There are a number of common symptoms that health officials should be on the lookout for however as this can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The patient could show a fever in combination with lethargy, there may be headaches lasting longer than 3 days, seizures or a change in mental function. If any of these symptoms were not previously present they may indicate the presence of an opportunistic central nervous system infection.
There is an algorithm specifically designed for the assessment and management of intracranial lesions specifically in patients with HIV available from the Quality Standard Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. It is even applicable to settings in which the treatment opportunities are not ideal, for example in third world countries which are severely lacking in public health facilities. The treatment indicated will depend a great deal on the central nervous system pathogens present as well as the CD4-cell count of the individual patient and their reaction to combination antiretroviral treatment.
It is certainly evident by now that if you are infected with HIV you stand a good chance of contracting some kind of central nervous system infection. You need to be aware of this and the aforementioned symptoms so that you can advise your doctor of any symptoms that you may indeed be a victim of one of these potentially fatal conditions. It is likely that with early detection and appropriate treatment you will survive the infection with no negative after effects.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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