The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preferentially targets, infects and kills CD4+ lymphocytes, which are essential for initiating an immune response against invading micro-organisms. Ultimately the immune response becomes severely compromised and opportunistic infections and virus-related cancers develop, at which stage the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is apparent. The time between HIV infection and the development of AIDS shows enormous variety, with less than two years in some individuals to more than ten years without treatment. This is influenced by multiple factors, including the hosts immune response, nutritional status and pharmacologic prophylaxis.

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Erasmus MC Rotterdam
G.K. Reid (Gregor) , J.D.F. Habbema (Dik)
Erasmus University Rotterdam
hdl.handle.net/1765/22966
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Hummelen, R. (2011, April 13). Probiotics to Target the Intestinal and Vaginal Microbiota in HIV. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/22966