Question

Why are my lymph nodes still enlarged after 4 months?

5 August 2008. Related: All topics, Opportunistic infections.

Fever and enlarged lymph nodes are still continuing even though my seroconversion has ended.

My seroconversion lasted for 4 months, but I still have mild fever and my lymph nodes are still enlarged.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

This condition is called persistent generalised lymphadenopathy (PGL).

PGL is defined as having swollen lymph nodes in several parts of your body, which remain swollen for some time. The strict diagnosis of PGL requires you to have swollen glands in two or more parts of the body outside the groin, such as the neck and armpits, for three months or longer. It is thought to be an indication that the immune system is fighting back against HIV.

PGL does not seem to have any particular bad implications for your health. People who develop PGL seem to do no better but no worse than people who do not.

If your fever continues and is not explained, or these or other symptoms are a problem, sometimes people start HIV treatment earlier to improve this.