[Course of infection caused by human immunodeficiency virus]

Following contamination with HIV, the majority of patients develop AIDS after several years (65% at 12 years), although a small percentage remain asymptomatic for a long time. The clinical manifestations of HIV infection are currently classified into 4 stages: primo-infection (stage I), asymptomatic phase (stage II), persistent generalised lymphadenopathy (stage III), other manifestations (stage IV), among which the following substages are distinguished: systemic signs (IVA), HIV-specific neurological signs (IVB), opportunistic or minor infections (IVA), HIV-specific neurological signs (IVB), opportunistic or minor infections (IVC), cancers (IVD) and other manifestations (IVE). The principal manifestations of AIDS appear when the CD4 count falls to below 200/mm3 and consist of opportunistic infections, primarily oesophageal candidiasis, pneumocystosis and toxoplasmosis. The management of patients with a combination of prophylaxis against opportunistic infections and antiviral treatment has significantly delayed the onset of AIDS, but has had little effect on the course of AIDS, which remains about 18 months.