title: Consider HIV--testing for HIV and HIV indicator diseases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be considered a treatable condition. In Australia in 2010, 40% of people had their HIV diagnosed late, where late is defined as CD4 <350 cells/mm³ (CD4 normal range = 450-1,500 cells/mm³). This late diagnosis can significantly impact on prognosis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article provides examples of late HIV diagnosis and an update of how and when to test for HIV in clinical practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While HIV is usually diagnosed in those with identifiable risk factors, awareness of indications to test and potential HIV indicator diseases can provide the general practitioner with a cue to offer testing to a patient. Early diagnosis of HIV offers benefits to the patient and the community.
authors: Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA, Australia. charlotte.bell@health.sa.gov.au
authors: Charlotte
authors: C
authors: Bell
authors: Russell
authors: R
authors: Waddell
authors: Nicola
authors: N
authors: Chynoweth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D061345:Early Medical Intervention; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors