Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Misdiagnosed as HIV Infection in a Teenager: A Case Report

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are relatively uncommon diseases in the pediatric population and have similar clinical and serological features, making it difficult to establish a definitive diagnosis. Herein, we describe a teenager who presented with symptoms of acute retroviral syndrome and a very low CD4 count (7×10^7 cells/L). Serum specimens also tested positive on the HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo assay for HIV infection. Further analyses, however, revealed that the patient had SLE without concomitant HIV infection.