Summary about Disease
AIDS-Related Complex (ARC) was a historical term used in the 1980s to describe a set of symptoms and clinical findings in individuals infected with HIV, but who had not yet developed full-blown AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It was characterized by a weakened immune system and various opportunistic infections, but the criteria were less severe than those for a formal AIDS diagnosis. The term is no longer in common use due to advances in HIV diagnosis, treatment, and a more comprehensive understanding of HIV disease progression. Today, HIV infection is typically categorized by CD4 count and the presence of specific opportunistic infections, regardless of whether those opportunistic infections meet the old ARC criteria.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with ARC included:
Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
Unexplained fever
Night sweats
Chronic diarrhea
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Oral thrush (candidiasis)
Herpes zoster (shingles)
Causes
ARC was caused by infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV attacks and destroys CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for the immune system's function. As the number of CD4+ T cells decreases, the body becomes more vulnerable to opportunistic infections and other complications.
Medicine Used
In the 1980s, treatment options were limited. The first antiretroviral drug, Azidothymidine (AZT), became available, but its efficacy was limited. Currently, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), now known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), is the standard of care for HIV infection. ART involves a combination of drugs from different classes that work to suppress viral replication, allowing the immune system to recover and prevent disease progression to AIDS.
Is Communicable
Yes, HIV, the cause of ARC and AIDS, is communicable. It can be transmitted through:
Unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) with an infected person
Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person
From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
Through blood transfusions or organ transplants (rare in countries with stringent screening practices)
Precautions
Precautions to prevent HIV transmission include:
Practicing safe sex (using condoms consistently and correctly)
Avoiding sharing needles or syringes
Getting tested for HIV regularly, especially if you are at risk
If HIV-positive, starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress the virus and reduce the risk of transmission.
For pregnant women with HIV, taking ART to prevent transmission to the baby.
How long does an outbreak last?
ARC itself was not an "outbreak" but rather a stage of HIV infection. HIV infection is a chronic condition that, without treatment, progressively damages the immune system over many years, eventually leading to AIDS. With effective ART, HIV infection can be managed as a chronic disease, preventing progression to AIDS and allowing individuals to live long and healthy lives.
How is it diagnosed?
ARC diagnosis was based on the presence of characteristic symptoms and signs in individuals known to be infected with HIV. Today, HIV infection is diagnosed through blood tests that detect the presence of HIV antibodies or antigens. Additional tests, such as CD4+ T cell counts and viral load measurements, are used to assess the stage of HIV infection and monitor treatment response.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms associated with HIV infection and the development of ARC (before the widespread use of effective ART) could vary considerably:
Acute HIV Infection: Some people experience flu-like symptoms within 2-4 weeks of infection.
Asymptomatic Stage (Clinical Latency): This stage can last for several years, during which the person may feel healthy but the virus is still replicating and damaging the immune system.
ARC Stage: Symptoms such as persistent swollen lymph nodes, unexplained fever, night sweats, chronic diarrhea, and weight loss could emerge. The duration of this phase varied.
AIDS: Without treatment, the CD4 count continues to decline, leading to severe opportunistic infections and ultimately AIDS. With ART, the progression of HIV infection can be slowed or halted. Individuals who start ART early and adhere to treatment can remain in the asymptomatic stage for many years.
Important Considerations
The term ARC is outdated. Current medical practice focuses on diagnosing and managing HIV infection based on CD4 count, viral load, and the presence of specific opportunistic infections or conditions, not on the ARC criteria.
Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection are crucial for preventing disease progression and improving long-term health outcomes.
ART is highly effective in suppressing HIV replication, restoring immune function, and preventing the development of AIDS-related complications.
People living with HIV who are on ART and have an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus to their sexual partners (Undetectable = Untransmittable or U=U).