The process of HIV infection


There are 3 phases of an untreated HIV infection: acute HIV illness, a latency phase, and finally AIDS illness which results in death. The acute stage of the infection takes some weeks. This is known as the vulnerability window which is characteristically an explosion in the count of HIV. During this phase the HIV virus penetrates and establishes itself in all the organs making up the immune system (and other organs). The latency phase, where there is a relatively low concentration of HIV, lasts on average 10 years. In the AIDS phase the defence system is completey destroyed and death follows in 1-2 years.



The red line shows the virus concentraion in the blood of untreated HIV from infection to death

The danger of transmission is highest during the acute phase of the illness where viral quanties are high, and the person generally doesn't know they are infected

Weakening and destruction of the defence system

The immune system has 2 major tasks, to fight invading material (such as bacteria, viruses, funghi etc.) which cuase infections. And in the case of cancer to destroy damaged or degenerate cells.

The HIV infection can be present for several years before the defence system is struck. Now, we know that within days of infection billions of new viruses will have been formed and billion of defence cells will have been destroyed. Therefore the acute phase occurs 2-3 weeks after infection, if the immune system is strong this phases lasts for approximately 6 weeks. After this period the immune system and the HIV virus maintain an equilibrium. During the AIDS phase of the infection the immune system is exhausted and the virus quantity increases as a result The consequence of this acquired immune weakness due to the HIV infection is an increased susceptibility in particular for infections and cancer.





Source: HIV/Aids – Aktuell (Dr. med. Kurt April)
©Translation: AIDS Information Switzerland
Last updated: November 2009