Pathology · single question
What is often the first clinical manifestation leading to an AIDS diagnosis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
- A. Oral candidiasis is an early HIV indicator but is not itself AIDS-defining.
- B. Correct. PCP has historically been the most common AIDS-defining opportunistic infection and frequently the presentation that establishes the diagnosis, typically when the CD4 count falls below 200.
- C. Kaposi sarcoma is AIDS-defining but less commonly the initial presentation.
- D. Hairy leukoplakia is a marker of immunosuppression but not AIDS-defining.