Swollen lymph gland of an AIDS patient. Swelling (centre right) in the neck of an AIDS patient from Africa. The swelling is a lymph node that has enlarged, a condition called lymphadenopathy. AIDS patients commonly have PGL (persistent generalised lymphadenopathy) in response to the HIV infection that weakens their immune system. Lymph nodes are part of this immune system that fights infections. The patient may show no other symptoms, but PGL is an early sign of the progress from HIV infection to full-blown AIDS and widespread failure of the immune system. AIDS is acquired immune deficiency syndrome. HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus.