Question

HIV Case Study

A 40- year old man Presented to the ER with the chief complain of fever and rash. He also complained of progressing malaise with a span of several days accompanied with fever, fatigue, headache and sore throat.

Past History: positive for Intravenous drug abuse, One episode of drug abuse 2 years ago. At that time HIV serology was performed and it was negative.

Family history: positive family history for Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension

Physical Examination: On physical examination revealed a moderately ill-appearing man with temperature of 102° F ( 38.8° C). Patient had blanching erythematous, macular-papular rash evident over the trunk, back, upper and lower extremities. In addition his throat examination showed enlarged tonsils, and brad-based ulceration at the buccal musoa.

Laboratory Data: A CBC and liver function tests were ordered. Lab results showed patient hemoglobin is 10mg/dl, and Hct 22%. He also had a marked decreased total leukocyte count and absolute lymphocyte count. His ALT and AST was markedly alevated .

Questions:

1.     What is the likely diagnosis of this patient’s diagnosis?

2.     What is the natural history of this diseases?

3.     What immunological laboratory tests might be of value in establishing a diagnosis for this patient?

  

Diagnosis of this patient  

Answer 1

The patient is HIV positive as the differential diagnosis shows the presence of macular papule and rashes.

Within 4 weeks of when you become infected, a flu-like illness can arrive. It is a body’s natural response to the HIV infection.

It can last anywhere from a few days to several months. The patient may have the following symptoms:

• Fever

• Headache

• Fatigue

To detect HIV , ELISATest should be performed.

• Sore throat

• Skin rash

• Swollen lymph glands

• Diarrhoea

• Night sweats

• Aching muscles or joints

• Ulcers in the mouth