Doctors For HIV in Mumbai Acute and early HIV Infection Early HIV infection refers to the approximate six month period following HIV acquisition. Acute HIV infection refers to symptomatic early infection. A variety of symptoms and signs may be seen in associated with acute HIV infection, known as acute retroviral syndrome. The most common findings are fever, lymphadenopathy, sore throat, rash, myalgia / arthralgia, and headache. There may be painful mucocutaneous ulceration. There may be inflammation of brain. Some patients with early HIV infection may have no or only very mild symptoms. In early HIV infection, the viral RNA level is typically very high and the CD4 cell count can drop transiently. The diagnosis of acute HIV infection requires a high level of clinical suspicion and should be considered in patients who present with consistent signs and symptoms, including an ill – defined febrile illness, and / or brain inflammation. Early HIV infection should also be considered in patients who have had a recent high – risk exposure or those who have had a recent sexually transmitted infection, regardless of the presence of symptoms or signs. The guidance from a specialist doctor should be sought at the earliest. When the possibility of acute or early HIV infection is being considered, the most sensitive diagnostic tests should be done such as an HIV virologic ( viral load ) test. The combination antigen / antibody test in addition to an HIV viral load should also been done. The interpretation of tests must be done under the supervision of a specialist doctor only. The fourth generation which targets antibody and antigen takes approximate 15 to 20 days for positivity after exposure. The western blot takes approximate 35 to 60 days after exposure, whereas HIV viral load takes one to two weeks. Newly – diagnosed patients should be started on antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible. The consultation must be done with a specialist only.