When to consider acute HIV infection in the differential diagnosis

Nurse Pract. 2016 Jan 16;41(1). doi: 10.1097/01.NPR.0000475371.63182.b7.

Abstract

Patients presenting with fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy are likely to have mononucleosis; however, patients with acute HIV infection may present with similar symptoms. Acute HIV infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis if test results for mononucleosis are negative. This article describes when to order HIV testing and discusses the importance of early intervention for acute HIV infection.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / diagnosis
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Nursing Diagnosis*