Acute HIV infection Health Article

Definition

Acute HIV infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a virus that gradually destroys the immune system.

Alternative Names

Primary HIV infection; HIV seroconversion syndrome; Acute retroviral syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Primary or acute HIV infection is a condition that occurs 2 - 4 weeks after infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus is spread by:

• Breastfeeding (rarely)
• Contaminated blood transfusions and blood products
• Intravenous (IV) drug use with contaminated needles and syringes
• Passing through the placenta from the mother to the fetus
• Sexual contact

After someone is infected with HIV, tests can detect antibodies to the virus in the blood. This is called HIV seroconversion (converting from HIV negative to HIV positive), and usually occurs within 3 months of exposure, but on rare occasions can occur up to a year after exposure.

Following the acute infection, there may be no further evidence of illness for the next 10 years.

Acute HIV infection can, but does not always, progress to early symptomatic HIV infection and to advanced HIV disease (AIDS).

Not all people infected with HIV will necessarily progress to AIDS, but time has shown that the vast majority do. To date there are a small number of people who have tested positive for HIV, but later no longer test positive and have no signs of disease. Although this is relatively rare, it provides evidence that the human body may be capable of removing the disease. These people are being carefully watched and studied.

HIV has spread throughout the United States and other countries. Higher numbers of people with the disease are found in large metropolitan centers, inner cities, and among certain populations with high-risk behaviors.

Symptoms

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

Acute HIV infection can appear like infectious mononucleosis, flu, or other viral illnesses.

Any of the following symptoms can occur:

• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Malaise
• Swollen lymph glands
• Muscle stiffness or aching
• Rash
• Sore throat
• Ulcers of the mouth and esophagus

These symptoms can last from a few days to 4 weeks, and then subside.