[Primary HIV infection, how to recognize it?]

The primary HIV infection is the period of time following HIV inoculation. Its manifestations are diverse. We present here some clinical cases: a mononucleosis-like syndrome with fever, angina, lymphadenopathy and skin rash, a frequent picture, with among other signs, flu-like symptoms, lymphocytic meningitis and facial paresis. In presence of those nonspecific clinical pictures, it is important for the primary health care physician to consider primary HIV infection, detect a history of exposure and order HIV-tests including p24-antigenemia. On one side, an early treatment blocks replication and dissemination of HIV in the body and brings an amelioration of prognosis. On the other side, the patient is particularly infectious during this phase and should take appropriate preventive measures.