Primary HIV Infection as an Unusual Cause of Neutropenia in Crohn’s Disease: A Case Report
Y. A. Awuku *
Division of Gastroenterology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
S. R. Thomson
Division of Gastroenterology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
D. Levin
Division of Gastroenterology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
S. Hlashtwayo
Division of Gastroenterology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
G. Watermeyer
Division of Gastroenterology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Although primary human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection is a well described entity, it is frequently misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. This has been attributed to the non-specific clinical features at presentation, inadequate history taking and a low index of suspicion by practicing clinicians. Haematological abnormalities are a recognised feature of HIV infection and may present in the form of pancytopenia or isolated cytopenias. One of the cardinal features of HIV seroconversion is leucopenia, however primary HIV infection as a cause of neutropenia and lymphopaenia in Crohn’s disease, has to our knowledge, not been described in the medical literature. We present a case of profound neutropenia in Crohn’s disease secondary to acute HIV sero-conversion illness.
Keywords: Crohn’s disease, neutropenia, primary HIV infection, HIV sero-conversion, azathioprine