Definition of Asymptomatic HIV infection:

Asymptomatic HIV infection is a phase of chronic infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during which there are no symptoms of HIV infection.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Asymptomatic HIV infection is a period of varying length in which the immune system slowly deteriorates without symptoms.

The length of this phase varies from person to person. It depends on how quickly the HIV virus is copying itself and the genetic differences that affect the way the immune system handles the virus.

Some people can go 10 years or longer without symptoms, while others may have symptoms and worsening immune function within a few years after the original infection.