If the HIV infection affects the peripheral nervous system, then the nerves and muscles show various signs of dysfunction. Patients may develop breathing or heart problems. It is caused by a protozoa, Toxoplasma gondii, which lives in the soil and in animal feces. Most people in the United States are exposed to it at some point in their life but don't suffer any of the signs of infection. The usual symptoms of toxoplasmosis include speech difficulties, seizures, confusion and lethargy.
Symptoms usually develop over the course of days to weeks.
Cryptococcal Meningitis Cryptococcal meningitis is a type of meningitis that is caused by a fungus. The course of the illness is usually slow and may develop over days or months. See meningitis for details of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. PML is an infection caused by a rare virus. The symptoms vary from person to person and generally reflect what particular part of the brain is affected.