WHO Clin Stag of HIV

Kabututwa Simon Nashreal

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a classification system to stage HIV infection based on clinical manifestations and performance status. The system categorizes patients into four clinical stages (1-4) and four performance stages (1-4), reflecting the severity of immune compromise and the presence of opportunistic infections or conditions. Clinical Stage 1 includes asymptomatic infection and persistent generalized lymphadenopathy. Stage 2 involves minor mucocutaneous conditions and recurrent upper respiratory infections. Stage 3 is characterized by significant weight loss, chronic diarrhea, prolonged fever, oral candidiasis, and pulmonary tuberculosis. Stage 4 represents advanced HIV disease with conditions such as wasting syndrome, Pneumocystis pneumonia, toxoplasmosis of the brain, and various disseminated infections and cancers.