Pyrexia of unknown origin and HIV infection in a middle aged woman. A case study

Pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) is defined as a prolonged fever of more than 3 weeks duration and which resists a diagnosis after a week in hospital. Here we present a case admitted in our hospital with fever of prolonged duration, esophageal candidiasis, multiple systemic symptoms and infections. She was diagnosed as being infected by HIV and presenting with AIDS related complex with no clear details of the source of infection. There is no significant history of exposure, sexual transmission or blood transfusions. The only mode suggestive of acquiring HIV in this case was probably due to her repeated hospital admissions and repeated intravenous infusions. She also had history of dental procedures which may be a considerable factor.