Acute HIV infection

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Immune system structures

Kaposi's sarcoma - lesion on the foot

Kaposi's sarcoma - perianal

Primary HIV infection

Primary HIV infection; HIV seroconversion syndrome; Acute retroviral syndrome

Note: At the time of diagnosis with HIV, many people have not experienced any symptoms.

Any of the following symptoms may occur:

• fever
• headache
• fatigue
• malaise
• decreased appetite
• swollen lymph glands
• muscular stiffness or aching
• generalized rash, usually flat to slightly raised (maculopapular) and red
• sore throat
• mouth and esophageal ulcers

• An HIV ELISA/Western blot is usually negative or indeterminate during the acute infection and will become positive over the next 3 months.
• An HIV RNA viral load is positive in patients with acute HIV infection.
• A lower-than-normal CD4 count may indicate suppression of the immune system. The CD4 count usually improves 1-2 months following acute infection.
• A blood differential may show abnormalities.
• P24 antigen blood test is often positive

Review Date: 02/13/2006
Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.