Overview of HIV-Associated Multimorbidities

Abstract

With the advent of effective antiretroviral therapy, persons with access to and engagement in HIV medical care and antiretroviral therapy can live longer and remain healthy with what has become a chronic manageable illness. Despite advances in medical care, without access to HIV medical care and antiretroviral therapy or with access but without viral suppression, persons with HIV still experience opportunistic infections and cancers. This chapter reviews the HIV-associated multimorbidities, including pulmonary manifestations, ophthalmological complications, dermatological manifestations, gastrointestinal and hematological illnesses, as well as HIV-associated malignancies. The proposed mechanisms through which HIV may contribute to premature aging are also discussed.