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Ask the Experts about Understanding Your Labs
Symptom of HIV?
Aug 8, 2008
Dear Doctor,
First let me thank you as a contributor to this site. Back in March of this year I tested positive for HIV and this website has been invaluable for assisting my understanding of this disease. Just recently in a Just for Women article I saw that one of the recommended questions for your doctor ought to be concerning yeast infections. Is it that persistent yeast infections are the norm for HIV infected women? The thing is my doctor has me listed as asympthomatic but I do recall that over the past couple years I've had on average three to four bouts of yeast infections per year. Could this have been a symptom of my infection? Do I need to discuss this specifically with my doctor or could it be normal for a healthy person as well.
Thanks in advance.
Response from Dr. McGowan
Thank you for your question.
Yeast infections caused by candida may be a symptom of HIV infection. While HIV uninfected people may get yeast infections (especially women with diabetes, on antibiotics, around menstruation, etc) the frequency or intensity of yeast infections may be increased in people with HIV. It is similar to having oral thrush (candida infection in the mucous membranes of the mouth). Since HIV uninfected people also get yeast infections it is a sign that the immune system can be fairly strong when they occur. The CD4 count can be well above 200 and yeast infections may happen. This is why there is alot of overlap with HIV infected and uninfected persons having yeast infections. If you have many very frequent yeast infections they may be suppressed with oral medications (such as fluconazole), but the better approach may be to restore balance to the immune system by suppressing the HIV.
Best,
Joe
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