Pathophysiology

Acute HIV infection affects the lymphatic system, skin, gastrointestinal system, genitourinary system, bone marrow, and neurological system. Clinical findings observed in acute HIV infection include the following:

• Lymphatics - Persistent generalized lymphatic
  
• Oral lesions
  • Thrush
  • Oral hairy leukocyte
    
  • Pharyngitis
  • Herpes simplex virus
  • Reactivation herpes zoster (shingles)
• Dermatological - Rash
• Hematologic
  • Anemia
  • Thrombotic
    
• Neurological
  
  • Primary (IE, due to HIV infection)
  • Secondary due to opportunistic infections: These usually occur when CD4 cell counts are less than 200/µL.
    • Toxoplasmosis
    • Cryptococcosis
    • Cytomegalovirus infection
    • Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
    • Syphilis
    • Human T-cell leukemia virus type I infection
  • Secondary due to neoplasms: These usually occur when CD4 cell counts are less than 200/µL.
    • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
    • Primary CNS lymphoma
  • Secondary due to other causes
    • Aseptic meningitis
    • Peripheral neuropathies (eg, mononeuritis multiplex, Guillain-Barré–like syndrome)
    • Myopathy

Mortality/Morbidity

Acute HIV infection comprises a range of diseases. Morbidity varies depending on the condition. By definition, no mortality is associated with acute HIV infection.

Race

No racial predilection is documented for patients with acute HIV infection.

Sex

Both sexes are affected with the constellation of symptoms that define the syndrome of acute HIV infection.

Age

This condition can affect patients of any age.