Final answer:
The acute phase of HIV infection, marked by rapid viral replication and immune response, occurs within two to four weeks after infection. Confirming acute HIV requires specific tests such as a fourth-generation antibody-antigen test or NAT. The correct answer is e. three weeks.
Step-by-step explanation:
In acute HIV infection, the wide dissemination of the virus and seeding into lymph organs usually occur within a period classified as two to four weeks after virus acquisition. During this stage, the virus undergoes a period of rapid viral replication, leading to a high viral load and initial drop in CD4 T-cell count. However, the immune system responds, and the viral load subsequently declines as the number of CD4 T cells recovers, though the virus remains in the body. Hence, the correct answer to the question is e. three weeks.
The acute phase is marked by flu-like symptoms and is a highly contagious period. Confirming acute HIV infection requires specific testing such as the fourth-generation antibody-antigen test or a nucleic acid test (NAT). Understanding the acute phase of HIV infection is critical for early detection and treatment, which can significantly affect the prognosis of the infected individual.