[Primary HIV-infection. A differential diagnosis of mononucleosis/influenza-like symptoms]

We describe the history of a 29 year-old heterosexual female who presented symptoms and signs similar to those indicating infectious mononucleosis and influenza. However, the diagnosis turned out to be a primary HIV infection. The patient is highly infective at this phase of the HIV disease, and this report emphasizes the importance for general practitioners to have this diagnosis in mind when treating patients with "sero-negative" mononucleosis or influenza-like symptoms. The HIV-infection was suspected earlier but not confirmed until five weeks after the first positive screening test was taken. This illustrates the importance of repeated HIV testing when primary HIV infection is suspected.