AIDS-Related Complex (also known as AIDS Related Complex, Complex, AIDS-Related): 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 norm

NIH MeSH · D000386Diseases

AIDS-Related Complex

Also known asAIDS Related Complex · Complex, AIDS-Related · ARC · Lymphadenopathy Syndrome · Lymphadenopathy Syndromes · Syndrome, Lymphadenopathy · Syndromes, Lymphadenopathy

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.

MeSH classification

  • C01.221.250.875.080
  • C01.221.812.640.400.080
  • C01.778.640.400.080
  • C01.925.782.815.616.400.080
  • C01.925.813.400.080
  • C01.925.839.080
  • C12.100.937.640.400.080
  • C20.673.480.080

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Related concepts

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AIDS Arteritis, Central Nervous System

Inflammation of ARTERIES in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM that occurs in patients with ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME or AIDS-RELATED OPPOR…

AIDS-Associated Nephropathy

Renal syndrome in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients characterized by nephrotic syndrome, severe proteinuria, focal and segmenta…

AIDS Dementia Complex

A neurologic condition associated with the ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME and characterized by impaired concentration and memory, slowne…

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections

Opportunistic infections found in patients who test positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The most common include PNEUMOCYSTIS PN…

Common questions about AIDS-Related Complex

What does AIDS-Related Complex mean in medicine?
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. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is AIDS-Related Complex known by any other names?
Yes. AIDS-Related Complex is also referred to as AIDS Related Complex, Complex, AIDS-Related, ARC, Lymphadenopathy Syndrome in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does AIDS-Related Complex sit in the medical classification?
AIDS-Related Complex falls under the broader medical category "Diseases" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: C01.221.250.875.080, C01.221.812.640.400.080, C01.778.640.400.080). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of AIDS-Related Complex?
For a plain-language explanation of AIDS-Related Complex - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about AIDS-Related Complex" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D000386) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗