[Diagnostics of the HIV infection]

Diagnostics of the HIV Infection The clinical picture of an acute HIV infection resembles that of mononucleosis with lymphadenopathy, fatigue and fever. In this phase, the infection can be diagnosed with certainty only through direct virus detection. During the subsequent latent phase, recurring or serious progressive skin manifestations from different illnesses, prominent candidiasis of the oral cavity and community acquired pneumonia frequently occur. Ulcerations in atypical locations of the gastrointestinal tract could also indicate an HIV infection. For cases of clear lymphopenia, an HIV infection should be definitely considered. Above all, the presence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is characteristic of the complete clinical picture of AIDS. An appropriate diagnostic test (antibody test or detection of HIV) is urgently indicated in situations that carry a high risk for HIV transmission. This applies, above all, to patients whose partner is HIV positive, to patients who frequently change sex partners, to prostitutes and to intravenous drug users.