Based on diagnostic criteria, what is true for a patient with HIV antibodies and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia?

Get ready for the Immunology and HIV Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

The statement that the patient has developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is accurate in this scenario. The diagnosis of AIDS is made when an individual with HIV presents with certain opportunistic infections or specific diseases that are indicative of severe immune system compromise. Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) is one of the hallmark opportunistic infections associated with AIDS. It typically occurs in individuals with significant immune deficiency, particularly when the CD4 T-cell count drops below a critical threshold.

The presence of HIV antibodies indicates that the person is infected with the virus, and the presence of PCP signifies that the immune system has been substantially weakened, meeting the criteria for an AIDS diagnosis. This opportunistic infection suggests that the patient's immune system has been severely affected by the progression of HIV.

Other scenarios like acute HIV infection or asymptomatic chronic HIV infection would not encompass the current state of the patient, as the presence of PCP points to a more advanced stage of the infection. Additionally, the possibility of developing symptomatic chronic HIV infection in less than a year does not apply when there are already serious manifestations of the disease present.

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