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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Weintrob et al¹ recently pointed out the infrequency in diagnosis of primary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by performing HIV RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients who present with viral syndrome and have risk factors for HIV infection. However, they do not address cost-effectiveness of this strategy and the use of empirical antiretroviral therapy.

Fever, fatigue, myalgias, weight loss, headache, and nausea are nonspecific and common presenting symptoms in non–HIV-infected patients. The major risk factor for HIV transmission, an unprotected sexual intercourse, is also common. Because the cost of HIV RNA PCR testing is not insignificant,² the authors should provide the total number of patients screened in the study. In addition, as they mentioned, initiation of antiretroviral therapy soon may reduce the long-lived, latently infected lymphocytes that act as a reservoir for HIV. I wonder if the authors initiate their screened patients on preemptive antiviral therapy until the test . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Tawee Tanvetyanon, MD
Maywood, Ill

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