Korean J Fam Pract.  2022 Sep;12(4):280-283. 10.21215/kjfp.2022.12.4.280.

A Case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis B Virus Coinfection with Persistent Anorexia and Weight Loss as Early Clinical Symptom

• Lee SH
• Lee JG

• KMID: 2533242
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2022.12.4.280

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has a very low prevalence among South Koreans and exhibits nonspecific symptoms such as fever and loss of appetite in the early stages of infection. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease whose prevalence is very high in Asian countries including Korea. HBV co-infection is reported in approximately 5%–10% of HIV cases. A 63-year-old man visited a family medicine outpatient clinic complaining of unintentional weight loss (>10%) and anorexia. The history and physical examination showed no specific findings other than a foreign body sensation in the neck. Blood tests showed mild anemia, thrombocytopenia, and an elevated aspartate aminotransferase level, and chest computed tomography (CT) showed nodular ground-glass opacity. After 2 months of follow-up, the patient complained of cough and dyspnea. Chest CT showed atypical pneumonia, and a sputum examination confirmed pneumocystis. Blood tests confirmed HIV and HBV coinfection. Here we presented a case of HIV/HBV co-infection in a patient complaining of weight loss and anorexia. In evaluating patients with unexplained weight loss, it is necessary to consider infectious diseases.

Keyword

Weight Loss; Anorexia; Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Hepatitis B; Pneumocystis