STD Tests
Serology for STDs (HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis)
Urethral and vaginal discharge (gonorrhea, Ureaplasma, Chlamys and Trichomonas)
HIV Testing
Evidence of Human Papillomavirus
Acute HIV infection is caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a virus that destroys the immune system gradually.
Alternative Names:
Primary HIV infection, HIV seroconversion syndrome; Acute retroviral syndrome
Causes, incidence and risk factors:
Primary infection or acute HIV is a condition that occurs 2 to 4 weeks after infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
The virus is spread by:
Breastfeeding (rarely)
Contaminated blood transfusions and blood
Intravenous drug use with contaminated needles and syringes
Passing through the placenta from mother to fetus
Sexual contact
After someone is infected with HIV, the virus antibodies can be detected with blood tests. This is called HIV seroconversion (converting from HIV negative to HIV positive) and usually occurs within the first 3 months of exposure, but on rare occasions can occur up to one year after exposure.
It is possible that after an acute infection there is more evidence of the disease in the next 10 years.
Although not always the case, acute HIV infection progresses to early symptomatic HIV infection and advanced HIV disease (AIDS).
One can not assume that all people infected with HIV will necessarily progress to AIDS, but time has shown that it applies to the majority. To date, there is a small number of people who have tested positive for HIV, but later no longer test positive and have no absolutely no signs of the disease. Although this is relatively rare, it provides evidence that the human body may be able to eliminate this disease. These people are being carefully watched and studied.
HIV has spread throughout the United States and other countries. The highest concentrations of the disease are found in major metropolitan centers in the inner cities and among certain populations with high risk behaviors.
Symptoms
Note: At the time of diagnosis of HIV infection, many people have not experienced any symptoms.
Acute HIV infection can resemble infectious mononucleosis, influenza or other viral illnesses.
It may involve any of the following symptoms:
Lack of appetite
Fatigue
Fever
Headache
Malaise
Swollen lymph nodes
Muscle pain or stiffness
Rash
Sore throat
Oral and esophageal ulcers
These symptoms can last from a few days to 4 weeks and then disappear.
Exams and Tests
A blood differential may show abnormalities.
ELISA / Western blot tests for HIV is usually negative or undetermined during the acute infection and become positive in three months.
RNA viral load in HIV positive patients with acute HIV infection.
CD4 count below normal may indicate immunosuppression. The CD4 count usually improves 1 2 months after acute infection.
A blood test for p24 antigen is often positive.
Treatment
People with HIV infection need to be educated about the disease and its treatment so that along with the doctor are an active part in decision making.
There is still controversy about whether aggressive early treatment of infection with HIV medications will slow the progression of the disease, an option that should be discussed with your doctor.
Follow these healthy practices in the early stages of HIV infection:
Avoid contact with people with acute infectious diseases.
Avoid settings and situations that could lead to depression. We must maintain positive social contacts, hobbies, interests, and pets.
Eating a nutritious diet with enough calories.
Get enough exercise, but do not wear.
Keep stress to a minimum.
Practice safe sex. The disease is highly transmissible, especially in the first months after infection.
Support Groups
The stress of illness can often be reduced by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. View support group for AIDS.
Expectations (prognosis)
HIV is a chronic medical condition that is treatable, but still can not be cured. There are effective means of preventing complications and delaying (but not preventing) progression to AIDS. Currently, not all cases of HIV have progressed to AIDS, but time has shown that it occurs in the majority.
Complications
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
Autoimmune diseases
Cancers, typically Kaposi’s sarcoma and lymphomas
Opportunistic infections (unlikely to occur in early stages of HIV disease)
bacillary angiomatosis
candidiasis
Cryptosporidium or other protozoal
Cytomegalovirus infection
Pneumocystis carinii
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)
progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
bloodstream infection with Salmonella
toxoplasmosis
tuberculosis
Calling your health care
Call your doctor if you had a possible or actual exposure to AIDS or HIV infection or are at risk and have had symptoms like those of acute HIV infection.
Prevention
For a comprehensive discussion, see the prevention section in the article on AIDS.
Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk of infection. Even if you practice safe sex, the risk of getting infected with HIV because condoms can break. Therefore, abstinence is the only sure way to prevent sexual transmission of this virus.
General guidelines:
Do not have unprotected sex with multiple partners, any person who has multiple partners, people who use intravenous drugs or persons known or suspected of being infected with AIDS.
Avoid intravenous drug use, but if used, do not share needles or syringes.
People with AIDS or who have had positive tests for antibodies to HIV can pass the disease to others and should not donate blood, plasma, body organs or sperm. Do not exchange body fluids during sexual activity.
Consultation Venereology
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