In the late-stage AIDS, infections may make the person consistently ill. These include Mycobacterium avium complex disease (caused by a fungus) Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (caused by a bacteria), and cytomegalovirus (caused by a virus). Chronic severe diarrhoea, intense night sweats, memory loss, depression and other disorders of the brain may occur. A type of cancer may develop called Kaposi’s sarcoma. It causes red, brown or purple blotches on the face. Lymphoma and invasive cancers of the anus or cervix may also occur.
Dimentia
HIV-associated dementia, also referred to as AIDS-dementia complex (ADC) is a progressive neurological condition that generally occurs after years of HIV infection. It is associated with low CD4+ T cell levels. This is a disabling cognitive impairment, accompanied by motor dysfunction, speech problems and behavioural changes. While ART may stabilise or even improve neurologic functioning, without therapy, the disease is often progressive and fatal.
Once a person’s ability to ward off disease is sufficiently compromised, a variety of HIV related illnesses may occur that strongly suggest a diagnosis of AIDS. Outgrowths and tumours may occur.
Having addressed the many HIV related illnesses and infections that a compromised immune system may encounter, and especially one that is HIV +, one should not be careless or irresponsible about one’s lifestyle and behaviour. An infected person should never neglect their health or fail to take their medication. In this way, one may live an average lifespan. However, this is completely dependant upon the attitude and participation of the infected person. Failing to do so will hasten their demise.