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Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients
13:50

Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients

Published on: June 11, 2011

Acute retroviral disease masquerading as bacterial sepsis: the "bands" play on

M Flemmer1, E C Oldfield, B H Melek

  • 1Department of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA.

Southern Medical Journal
|March 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Acute human immunodeficiency virus infection can mimic bacterial sepsis, with increased band forms but no atypical lymphocytes. This presentation is common in early stages and can delay diagnosis of acute retroviral illness.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is the earliest stage of HIV disease.
  • Early diagnosis is crucial for timely treatment and preventing transmission.

Observation:

  • A case presented with symptoms initially suggestive of bacterial sepsis.
  • Peripheral blood analysis revealed a marked increase in neutrophil band forms.
  • Notably, there was an absence of atypical lymphocytes in the peripheral blood smear.

Findings:

  • The observed pattern of increased band forms without atypical lymphocytes is a common finding in the initial days of acute retroviral illness.
  • This hematological presentation can be misleading, potentially masking an underlying acute HIV infection.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider acute HIV infection in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with sepsis-like symptoms and specific peripheral blood findings.
  • The absence of atypical lymphocytes should not rule out acute retroviral disease, emphasizing the need for broader diagnostic considerations.

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