Definition: A prodromal phase of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Laboratory criteria separating AIDS-related complex (ARC) from AIDS include elevated or hyperactive B-cell humoral immune responses, compared to depressed or normal antibody reactivity in AIDS; follicular or mixed hyperplasia in ARC lymph nodes, leading to lymphocyte degeneration and depletion more typical of AIDS; evolving succession of histopathological lesions such as localization of Kaposi's sarcoma, signaling the transition to the full-blown AIDS.
coord IM with HIV-1 or HIV-2 (IM) if pertinent; DF: note short X ref
Other names ARC; Lymphadenopathy Syndrome; Syndromes, Lymphadenopathy; Syndrome, Lymphadenopathy; Lymphadenopathy Syndromes; Complex, AIDS-Related; AIDS Related Complex