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Kaposi's sarcoma - lesion on the foot Primary HIV infection Kaposi's sarcoma - perianal Immune system structures

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Acute HIV infection

Alternative Names: Primary HIV infection; HIV seroconversion syndrome; Acute retroviral syndrome Symptoms: Note: At the time of diagnosis with HIV, many people have not experienced any symptoms. Text Continues Below 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 Signs and tests: An HIV ELISA/Western blot is usually negative or indeterminate during the acute infection and will become positive over the next three months. An HIV RNA viral load is positive in patients with acute HIV infection. A CD4 count may show suppression of the immune system. The CD4 count usually improves 1 to 2 months following acute infection. A blood differential may show abnormalities. P24 antigen blood test is often positive

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