Types of HIV Infection

There are different types of the virus, and several ways to describe HIV infection.

Types of HIV

• HIV-1: the most common type worldwide, responsible for most infections. It has several groups and subtypes (clades), which differ by region.
• HIV-2: less common, mostly in West Africa, and generally progresses more slowly. Some medicines used for HIV-1 do not work against HIV-2, so a specialist chooses treatment.

By stage

• Acute infection
• Chronic infection (clinical latency)
• AIDS

By treatment response

• Drug-sensitive virus: responds to standard ART
• Drug-resistant virus: carries mutations that make some medicines less effective. This is why taking tablets on time every day matters, and why resistance tests may be needed.

By pattern of transmission

• Sexual
• Through blood or injecting equipment
• Mother to child

Related conditions

HIV is often seen with TB, hepatitis B and C, and other sexually transmitted infections, which need testing and treatment as well.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda does not describe HIV types. Any traditional classification is interpretive only.

Key point

Your doctor will check HIV type, CD4 count, viral load and drug resistance to choose the right treatment.

Before your appointment

Write down when you may have been exposed, and any symptoms such as fever, weight loss, cough or diarrhoea. List all medicines, herbs and supplements, and any pregnancy plans. Bring past test reports, including CD4 and viral load if you have them. Ask about testing, treatment, confidentiality, support services and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.