What are the potential long-term consequences of untreated HIV infection?

Untreated HIV infection can lead to significant long-term health complications primarily due to the virus's impact on the immune system. When HIV is not treated, it progressively damages the immune system by infecting and destroying CD4 cells (T cells), which are essential for coordinating the immune response. As the number of functioning CD4 cells decreases, the body's ability to fight off infections and other diseases diminishes.

Eventually, this progression can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the final and most severe phase of HIV infection. Once a person reaches this stage, they become highly susceptible to opportunistic infections—these are infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems. Examples include pneumonia, tuberculosis, and certain cancers.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the reality of untreated HIV. Improved immune response, increased energy and vitality, or complete recovery without treatment are not outcomes associated with untreated HIV; rather, they are misleading and do not align with the recognized effects of the virus on the body. The only accurate consequence outlined in the options is the development of AIDS and opportunistic infections, underscoring the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment in managing HIV effectively.