Primary human immunodeficiency virus infection: heightened awareness needed

Hong Kong Med J. 2001 Jun;7(2):205-8.

Abstract

Primary human immunodeficiency virus infection is a distinct medical syndrome which is often not diagnosed. The importance of its early recognition lies in the potential for early therapeutic intervention for the individual, with consequent public health benefits for the community at large. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion in a person with a history of potential exposure. Early treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy should be considered once the diagnosis has been established. We report a local case of primary human immunodeficiency virus infection in a patient who presented initially with fever, lymphadenopathy, generalised skin rash, dry cough, splenomegaly, and aseptic meningitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • RNA, Viral / analysis
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • RNA, Viral