Case 1: Acute (Primary) HIV Infection

Question | Discussion | References | CME Credit

You answered:

	An HIV RNA level of 2,400 copies/ml combined with a negative HIV antibody test would be diagnostic of acute HIV infection.

This answer is incorrect. Although a positive HIV RNA level combined with a negative antibody test suggests a diagnosis of acute HIV infection, the HIV RNA levels are almost always significantly greater than 2,400 copies/ml (typically greater than 100,000 copies/ml). In a person presenting with symptoms that could represent acute HIV, an HIV RNA level less than 10,000 copies/ml would be most consistent with a false-positive HIV RNA level, but would require close follow-up.

Choose another answer:

	Less than 5% of persons who acquire HIV develop an acute clinical illness.
	More than 80% of patients with acute HIV present with aseptic meningitis.
	Patients recently infected with HIV typically have plasma HIV RNA levels greater than 50,000 copies/ml within 4 weeks of acquiring HIV.

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