Acute HIV infection
Alternative names:
primary HIV infection; HIV seroconversion syndrome, acute
retroviral syndrome
Definition:
An infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) that gradually destroys the immune system.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Primary or acute HIV infection is a condition that occurs
2 to 4 weeks after infection by the HIV virus. The virus,
called Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV, is spread by intimate
sexual contact, IV drug use where contaminated "paraphernalia"
(needles and syringes) is used, contaminated blood transfusions
and blood products, through the placenta from the mother to
the fetus, and rarely through breast feeding.
Acute HIV infection can resemble infectious
mononucleosis or other viral flu
syndromes. Typical symptoms include fever,
headache, fatigue,
and swollen lymph nodes.
People may also experience aching muscles (myalgia)
and a rash that occurs
anywhere on the body and may change locations (transient,
generalized rash). These symptoms may last from a few days
to two weeks, and then subside.
After an infection with HIV, antibodies
to the virus can be detected in the blood. This is called
seroconversion. HIV seroconversion (converting from HIV negative
to HIV positive) usually occurs within 3 months of exposure,
but on rare occasions may occur up to a year after exposure.
Following the acute infection
there may be no further evidence of illness for the next 2
to 5 years.
Acute HIV infection can, but does not always, progress to
chronic symptomatic HIV infection
and advanced HIV diseases or AIDS.
In a study of people infected with the virus from 1977 through
1980, some have no signs or symptoms of HIV
infection (asymptomatic
HIV infection), and some have only enlarged
lymph nodes (generalized lymphadenopathy).
It cannot be assumed that all people infected with HIV will
inevitably progress to AIDS, but time has shown that the vast
majority do. To date there are a small number of people who
have unquestionably tested positive for AIDS but no longer
test positive and have absolutely no signs of disease. These
numbers are extremely small but provide evidence that the
human body may be capable of eliminating the disease. These
people are being carefully watched and studied.
HIV has spread throughout the U.S. and other countries. Higher
concentrations of the disease are found in large metropolitan
centers, inner city areas, and among certain high-risk populations
such as IV drug users, bisexual and homosexual men, and hemophiliacs.
The HIV infection rate is increasing more quickly among blacks
and Hispanics than among Caucasians. The rate among women
is also increasing rapidly.
It is estimated that 1 out of every 250 people carries the
HIV virus, but not all exhibit symptoms.
Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
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