What type of disease is often the cause of death for a patient with HIV/AIDS? Jeremy has contracted HIV. He may not have any symptoms for years, but the virus will work to overwhelm his immune system, altering its ability to fight pathogens. HIV infection often progresses to AIDS; however, that may not happen in Jeremy's case. As part of his treatment, his doctors are trying to prevent , which can flourish in the body of an immunocompromised person such as Jeremy.