Asymptomatic stage of HIV infection
This stage is characterized by large amount of HIV virus in the peripheral blood. Immune system produces antibodies and cytotoxic lymphocytes in response. Such immune response is called seroconversation. HIV antibody test may be negative if done before producing large amount of antibodies in the body.
HIV infection may be present imperceptibly up to 10-12 years: this time usually passes from HIV infection till AIDS development if no treatment is undertaken.
Sometimes the infection gives a notice of itself by increasing some lymphatic nodes: posterior cervical, infraclavicular, sometimes anterior cervical, axillary, inguinal. In this case it is recommended to get tested not only for the diseases that are manifested by the lymph nodes enlargement (there are plenty of them, for example the lymph nodes enlargement may be a single symptom of lymphogranulomatosis) but also for HIV infection. Other AIDS symptoms may include constant fatigue, loss of the appetite, night sweating, quick weight loss, diarrhea, persistent coughing and mouth ulcers.
The level of HIV virus in the peripheral blood drops to low level. Nevertheless the patient is infectious and HIV antibodies can be detected by antibody test. There is another test to measure HIV RNA in the body and it is usually positive during this asymptomatic stage.
