Abstract

ABSTRACT &NA; Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) begun during primary infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) can preserve immune function and may alter the long‐term clinical course of HIV‐1 infection. To diagnose primary HIV‐1 infection (PHI) early, when screening serologies may yield negative or indeterminate results, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends the use of an HIV‐1 RNA assay for at‐risk patients suspected of having acute retroviral syndrome (ARS). Because of the RNA assay's 1.9% to 3.0% false‐positive rate, results must be carefully interpreted and compared to HIV‐1 viral load levels seen during proven HIV‐1 seroconversion. We report the case of a sexually active woman with symptoms suggestive of ARS who had a false‐positive HIV‐1 RNA assay result. We discuss use and interpretation of the HIV‐1 RNA assay in diagnosing PHI.