“Opportunistic infections and disease implications in HIV/AIDS.”

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is the disease of prime attention in present times. Every year about 2.5 million new cases of HIV are reported with death of approximately 1.7 million people worldwide. HIV targets immune system and leaves the patient defenseless to opportunistic infections. With progression of HIV infection, there is gradual decline in CD4 T cell population, rendering patient more and more prone to opportunistic infections. Large battery of infections wreaks havoc on patients' health, ultimately causing death. Effect of cross-talk between HIV and co-infections is reciprocal in most cases. The molecular interactions complicate and worsen the situation. Even slightest interactions are expected to affect gene activity and protein expression. Timely start of antiretroviral therapy has greatly decreased the early onset of infections; however it is very difficult to treat infections in late stages. In this article, gamut of infections in cases of HIV/AIDS is reviewed along with possible implications.