Volume 29, Issue 161, July 2025

Hematological signs of early Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection

Agnieszka Radziwonka^1♦

Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland

ABSTRACT

Introduction: During early HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection many individuals develop nonspecific, flu-like symptoms, including fever, lymphadenopathy, rash, and malaise, although a significant proportion of the patients remain asymptomatic. In the acute phase, a high plasma viral load and a transient decline in CD4+ T lymphocytes contribute to increased infectiousness. Early diagnosis of HIV infection is critical, as prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy during this period can limit immune system damage and reduce transmission risk. This narrative review was based on a comprehensive analysis of the literature to summarize current insights into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and laboratory diagnosis of HIV-infected patients in the early stages. Aim: This article explores the frequency and clinical impact of blood-related changes during the initial phase of HIV infection, with particular attention to anemia, reductions in white blood cells, and low platelet counts as early diagnostic indicators. State of Knowledge: Hematological abnormalities are common in early HIV infection, especially anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. These abnormalities arise from factors such as immune suppression marked by low CD4+ T-cell counts, disease stage, and co-infections. Their prevalence tends to decrease following initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The exact mechanism underlying hematopoietic dysfunction in early HIV remains incompletely understood. Conclusions: Blood cell irregularities often serve as key early signs of HIV infection and disease advancement. This article demonstrates how standard blood work can identify HIV-related changes, emphasizing that unexplained low blood counts should prompt HIV testing as part of the diagnostic workup.

Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Lymphopenia, Anemia, Leukopenia, Hematology

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e103ms3629

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i161.e103ms3629

Published: 11 July 2025