Does “asymptomatic” mean without symptoms for those living with HIV infection?

Abstract

Throughout the history of the HIV epidemic, HIV-positive patients with relatively high CD4 counts and no clinical features of opportunistic infections have been classified as “asymptomatic” by definition and treatment guidelines. This classification, however, does not take into consideration the array of symptoms that an HIV-positive person can experience long before progressing to AIDS. This short report describes two international multi-site studies conducted in 2003–2005 and 2005–2007. The results from the studies show that HIV-positive people may experience symptoms throughout the trajectory of their disease, regardless of CD4 count or classification. Providers should discuss symptoms and symptom management with their clients at all stages of the disease.

Keywords:

• HIV infection
• symptoms
• asymptomatic

Acknowledgements

Author contributions. Willard, study design, data collection, data analysis, manuscript writing; Holzemer, study design, data collection, data analysis, manuscript writing; Wantland, study design, data collection, data analysis, manuscript writing; Cuca, data collection, manuscript writing; Kirksey, study design, data collection, data analysis; Portillo, study design, data collection, data analysis; Corless, study design, data collection, manuscript review; Rivero, study design, data collection; Rosa, study design, data collection; Nicholas, study design, data collection oversight; manuscript review; Hamilton, study design, data collection; Sefcik, study design, data collection; Kemppainen, study design, data collection, manuscript writing; Canaval, study design, data collection, data analysis; Robinson, study design, data collection; Moezzi, study design, data collection; Human, study design, data collection; Arudo, study design, data collection; Sanzero Eller, study design, data collection; Bunch, study design, data collection; Dole, study design, data collection; Coleman, study design, data collection; Nokes, study design, data collection; Reynolds, study design, data collection; Tsai, study design, data collection; Maryland, data collection; Voss, study design, data analysis, manuscript review; Lindgren, study design, data collection. The authors would like to acknowledge the following sponsors of this work: Aga Khan University Hospital Research Committee, Nairobi, Kenya; Boeringher Ingelheim; Coastal Bend Health Sciences Center; Critical Difference for Women & College of Nursing Targeted SEED grant, Ohio State University (National Institutes of Health, R01 NR05108-S2); Francisco Jose de Caldas Colombian Institute for Science and Technology Development (COLCIENCIAS); Houston Organization of Nurse Executives; Hunter College School of Nursing; Nursing Research Center on HIV/AIDS Health Disparities (National Institutes of Health P20 NR08359 and P20 NR08342); Universidad del Valle; University of Oslo; University of San Diego Faculty Research Award; University of Utah Office of International Affairs.