HIV infection. Symptoms of acute infection. About. 5% get rheumatic symptoms. Illustration: Mikael Häggström. Public domain via Commons
Definition
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a type of retrovirus that causes a weakening of immune system, so risk Opportunistic infections increases. The HIV virus is also the cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The risk of opportunistic infections is particularly high if immunosuppressive drugs are used (for example, for rheumatic disease).
Infection occurs through blood or blood products, impure syringes (sexual addicts), sexual contact and from infected mother to children during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
- Rheumatic pain occurs in ca. 5% of HIV positive people
Symptoms
- 1060% is without symptoms
- Neck: Mononucleosis-like symptoms with sore throat, fever and exhaustion
- Skin: Maculo-papular eczema (5-10mm) over upper thoracic (chest), throat and face 2-3 days after fever / subfebrile. Mouth ulcers. (Differential diagnosis: SLE, but ANA in blood test is normal / negative)
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, diarrhea and weight loss
- Neurological: Headache, especially behind eyes (retrobulbar)
- Rheumatic symptoms
- Muscle pain og Joint pain
- Myopathy (HIV-associated muscle disease) include Myositis, Rhabdomyolysis og Inclusion body myositis
- Arthritis (Reactive)
- Avascular Bone Necrosis (Osteonecrosis)
- Sjögren's syndrome similar disease (Diffuse Infiltrative Lymphocytosis Syndrome / DILS, possibly with swollen salivary glands (Parotitis)
Diagnosis
A blood test will detect HIV infection. At the same time, another infection that may infect in a similar manner (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C) should be ruled out
Treatment
The disease is effectively treated with tablets against the virus, but it cannot be cured.
Literature
Opportunistic infections, BINDEVEVSSYKDOMMER.no
