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Index 
2.5 HIV: key facts
2.6 HIV: viral dynamics 
2.7 Reinfection with HIV
Glossary 
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ARV anti-retroviral.
acute infection early infection (first few months with HIV).
AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
antibody cells in your immune system that recognise antigens
antigen infectious material produced by a virus or bacteria
CD4 cell white blood cell (lymphocyte) which fights infections. CD4 counts are measured in cells/mm3.
chronic infection established infection (everything after the first 6 months)
HIV human immunodeficiency virus.
lymph node small bodies in the lymphatic system, particularly at the neck, armpit, and groin, that filter bacteria and foreign particles. During infection, lymph nodes may become swollen with white blood cells (lymphocytes) fighting the infection.
primary HIV infection (PHI) early infection (first few months with HIV). Another phrase for acute infection.
natural history the pattern a disease follows if it is not treated.
seroconversion an immune reaction (developing antibodies) to a new infection.
symptom sign of illness.
virus infectious organism that can only reproduce inside the cell of another plant or animal.
viral load measurement of the amount of HIV virus in your body. Viral load is measured in copies/mL (millilitre).
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The natural history of an illness is the term to describe the pattern of a disease if left untreated.
It is very important to understand the natural history of HIV.
The natural history of HIV infection has several different periods including: infection, seroconversion, primary infection, chronic infection and late-stage illness.
This is the point when the virus infects the first cells. It then takes several hours for these newly infected cells to be carried with the virus to the lymph nodes.
During the next few days or weeks the virus continues to multiply in the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are packed with CD4 cells, which HIV uses to reproduce. The amount of HIV in the body (viral load) will go up quickly and reach very high levels.
After building up in the lymph nodes, HIV burst out into the blood stream and infects other parts of the body. As viral load increases, this high level of viral activity produces symptoms in up to 80% people. These symptoms include sweating, fevers, temperature, weakness and tiredness and, more rarely, mouth ulcers.
The body then produces an immune reaction to this new infection, and starts to produce antibodies to fight the virus. It usually takes 1-3 months after infection for antibodies to HIV to be strong enough to be detected on an HIV antigen test. Occasionally it can take longer.
Also called early infection or acute infection. Primary infection describes the first six months after infection.
Chronic infection describes HIV infection after the first six months. Chronic infection can last for many years. It can take from 2-10 years until the majority of people need treatment. With treatment, chronic infection can be life-long – ie 20, 30, or 40 or more years.
AIDS – this is the term used to describe the most serious stage. This is usually in people who do not have access to treatment, who are only diagnosed very late, or whose treatment has stopped working.
With ARV treatment, viral load should go down by at least 90% (1 log) after 1 month, and to below 50 copies/mL after 3-6 months.
If ARV treatment brings viral load down to less than 50 copies/mL, then treatment can last for many years.
Index 2.5 HIV: key facts2.6 HIV: viral dynamics 2.7 Reinfection with HIV
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Last updated on Monday 26th November 2007.
