The exanthema of acute (primary) HIV infection. Identification of a characteristic histopathological picture?

Abstract

A male homosexual presented with a skin rash, pharyngitis, fever and lymphadenopathy. The clinical symptoms were suggestive of an acute primary HIV infection. The diagnosis was confirmed serologically. We describe here the clinical and histopathological picture of the exanthema. Biopsy from a papular skin lesion revealed a possibly characteristic pattern.