Final answer:
A patient who is HIV positive without symptoms of HIV-related illness is in the clinical latency stage, also known as chronic HIV infection. This period can last from a decade to several decades, depending on whether the patient is receiving antiretroviral therapy. Progression to AIDS occurs when the CD4 T-cell count drops below 200 cells/µL or opportunistic illnesses appear.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition when a patient is HIV positive but does not show symptoms of any HIV-related illness is known as clinical latency or chronic HIV infection. During this stage, the HIV virus is still active in the body but reproduces at very low levels.
Patients in this stage have a CD4 T-cell count between 200 and 499 cells/µL. For those not on antiretroviral therapy, this asymptomatic stage can last up to a decade or longer, but for those under treatment, it may extend for several decades. It is important to note that even though there are no symptoms, transmission of HIV is still possible.
Without treatment, chronic HIV infection progresses, and the number of CD4 T cells gradually decreases over time. Eventually, once the CD4 T-cell count falls below 200 cells/µL or when opportunistic illnesses occur, the patient transitions to the final stage of the infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).