Retroviral syndrome acute B24.x2

Symptomatic phase of the initial infection of an HIV disease. This occurs only in some infected persons and rarely lasts longer than 4 weeks.

The symptoms are unspecific; fever, myalgia, more rarely gastrointestinal complaints, lymphadenitis and an unspecific maculo-papular exanthema are observed. Antibodies are not detectable in this phase of infection (diagnostic gap). The viral load in the blood and genital secretions is high in this phase of generalisation, higher than in the further course of the infection. The infectivity is correspondingly high.

The diagnosis can only be made by HIV-PCR.

Ultimately, the diagnosis can only be made if the doctor considers HIV infection. If the serology is negative, an HIV-PCR has to be performed if the suspicion persists.

1. Braun DL et al (2014) A novel Acute Retroviral Syndrome Severity Score predicts the key surrogate markers for HIV-1 disease progression. PLoS One 9:e114111
2. Morioka H et al (2014) Bilateral facial nerve palsy and appendicitis occurring during acute retroviral syndrome. Internal Med 53:155-158
3. Stranzenbach R et al (2015) Diagnostic gap. Acute retroviral syndrome. Dermatologist 66: 282-284