AIDS-related complex

REDIRECT HIV/AIDS

A condition related to HIV infection

AIDS-related complex (ARC) is a term that was used to describe a group of symptoms and infections that occur in individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but who do not meet the criteria for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The term is less commonly used today, as the understanding of HIV infection has evolved.

Overview

ARC was initially used to describe a stage of HIV infection characterized by the presence of certain symptoms and opportunistic infections that were not severe enough to qualify as AIDS. These symptoms often included lymphadenopathy, fever, weight loss, and diarrhea.

Symptoms

Individuals with ARC may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

• Persistent lymphadenopathy
• Chronic fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Night sweats

Opportunistic Infections

ARC is associated with certain opportunistic infections that occur due to the weakened immune system caused by HIV. These infections may include:

• Oral candidiasis
• Herpes zoster
• Oral hairy leukoplakia

Progression to AIDS

Without treatment, individuals with ARC may progress to AIDS, which is characterized by a more severe immunodeficiency and the presence of life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers, such as Kaposi's sarcoma.

Treatment

The treatment for ARC involves the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to control HIV infection and prevent the progression to AIDS. ART helps to maintain the immune system and reduce the risk of opportunistic infections.

Related pages

• HIV/AIDS
• Opportunistic infection
• Antiretroviral therapy
• Kaposi's sarcoma

Gallery

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  Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer associated with AIDS