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Acute HIV infection

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Acute HIV infection

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

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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, injection drug use in which contaminated needles and syringes are used, contaminated blood transfusions and blood products, through the placenta from the mother to the fetus, and rarely through breastfeeding.

Acute HIV infection can resemble infectious mononucleosis, flu, or other virual syndromes. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. People may also experience aching muscles and a rash that occurs anywhere on the body and may change locations. These symptoms may last from a few days to 4 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 decade.

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

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 HIV, but no longer test positive and have absolutely no signs of disease. These numbers are extremely small, but they provide evidence that the human body may be capable of eliminating the disease. These people are being carefully watched and studied.