27th June 2023

Seroconversion

HIV seroconversion is the period during which antibodies are developed against HIV. Since some of the common testing methods for identifying HIV rely on detecting antibodies against HIV, this has in the past been used to define the point in time at which HIV is first detectable, however more recent techniques involve nucleic acid amplification of proviral DNA with polymerase chain reaction, which can detect infection earlier in the time course of the condition. By contrast, ‘viral load’ testing relies on amplification of viral RNA. Acute retroviral syndrome describes a constellation of signs and symptoms which take place during seroconversion.

• Fever (most common)
• Malaise and fatigue
• Rash
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• Pharyngitis
• Lymphadenopathy

Less common symptoms include neurological features, gastrointestinal features of diarrhoea, nausea/ vomiting and oral ulceration. Some patients may present with atypical features during HIV seroconversion, and testing should therefore be considered in abnormal presentations in any person at risk of HIV.