Which of the following is a later sign of AIDS?

The correct choice highlights pelvic inflammatory disease as a later sign of AIDS due to its association with immunosuppression. As HIV progresses to AIDS, the immune system becomes significantly weakened, making the body more susceptible to opportunistic infections and complications, including conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can occur as the immune system fails to effectively combat infections that might typically be managed in healthier individuals.

In contrast, prolonged anxiety and long-term memory loss, while they may be symptoms experienced by patients, are not definitive signs of AIDS. They can stem from various factors, including psychological effects of living with a chronic illness or other unrelated conditions. Severe anemia, while it can be related to AIDS, is more a consequence of various infections or treatments rather than a direct sign itself.

Understanding that pelvic inflammatory disease represents an opportunistic infection that can develop in individuals with advanced immune compromise provides a clearer picture of how AIDS affects the body and contributes to further health complications.