Diagnosis of acute HIV infection in Connecticut.
Acute HIV infection (AHI) is the earliest stage of HIV disease, when plasma HIV viremia, but not HIV antibodies, can be detected. Acute HIV infection often presents as a nonspecific viral syndrome. However, its diagnosis, which enables linkage to early medical care and limits further HIV transmission, is seldom made. We describe the experience of Yale's Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS with AHI diagnosis in Connecticut, as a participating center in the National Institute of Mental Health Multisite AHI Study. We sought to identify AHI cases by clinical referrals and by screening for AHI at two substance abuse care facilities and an STD clinic. We identified one case by referral and one through screening of 590 persons. Screening for AHI is feasible and probably cost effective. Primary care providers should include AHI in the differential diagnosis when patients present with a nonspecific viral syndrome.
Dubrow
Robert
R
Yale School of Public Health, USA.
Sikkema
Kathleen J
KJ
Mayer
Kenneth H
KH
Bruce
R Douglas
RD
Julian
Pamela
P
Rodriguez
Irma
I
Beckwith
Curt
C
Roome
Aaron
A
Dunne
Dana
D
Boeving
Alexandra
A
Kidder
Thomas J
TJ
Jenkins
Heidi
H
Dobson
Michael
M
Becker
Joseph
J
Merson
Michael H
MH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003237:Connecticut / Q000453:epidemiology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult