Abstract

The immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome occurs in patients with advanced HIV infection or HIV infection, days, weeks or months after initiation of antiretroviral therapy. It is characterized by a gradual restoration of pathogen specific immunity where the immune system is able to recognize pathogens presents but clinically occult.

Characteristically it occurs after starting antiretroviral therapy when the immune system starts to recover. It can be mild or life threatening.

Key words: HIV infection; Immune reconstitution syndrome; antirretroviral drugs