Reference no: EM133606667

Case Study: Jonathan Eckert is a 22-year-old white male who has been involved in a number of high-risk sexual behaviors. Three months ago, he developed a 4-day course of fever and chills, malaise, lethargy, night sweats, diarrhea, and anorexia. He believed he had acquired the flu (influenza) and self-medicated with acetaminophen, vitamin C, and increased fluid intake. He became increasingly concerned about his health because he had friends who were infected with HIV, so he contacted his primary care provider to obtain a blood screening test for HIV and hepatitis B and C. Jonathan's screening test for hepatitis B and C was negative, and the HIV screening tests-ELISA and confirmatory Western blot-both returned positive for HIV infection. Additional laboratory testing was done to assess his red blood cell count, white blood cell count with differential, and CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte counts (lymphocyte immunophenotyping). All of his blood tests were within the normal range. Serologic testing for hepatitis B and C was negative, skin testing for tuberculosis returned negative, and a chest x-ray was unremarkable. Jonathan was given information on the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle with appropriate nutrition; physical activity; stress management; avoidance of cigarettes and other forms of tobacco; maintenance of appropriate vaccinations, including an annual influenza vaccination; and adherence to safer sexual practices to avoid reinfection with a potentially more virulent strain of the virus and transmission of the virus to others. He was given information on community support groups and a referral to a care provider specializing in HIV/AIDS care. Research on the advantages of early treatment, following HIV exposure and seroconversion, were discussed with him. Although he demonstrated an understanding of the information, ongoing health education is recommended.

Question:

1. How would you describe Johnathan's current infection status? 2. Consider the immune response. How has John's immune system responded to the pathogen invasion?