HIV/AIDS Glossary

A rare disorder that is characterized by noncancerous growths in many groups of lymph nodes and related lymphatic tissue throughout the body. MCD symptoms range from mild to very severe and might include enlarged lymph nodes, infection, fever, weight loss, nausea, rash, an enlarged liver or spleen, and anemia. MCD can be caused by human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection and is called HHV-8-associated MCD. HHV-8-associated MCD most often occurs in individuals who are immunocompromised, such as people with HIV. The cause of MCD may also be unknown and is called HHV-8 negative MCD or idiopathic MCD. People with MCD have an increased risk of developing lymphoma.