Report Of A False Positive Rapid HIV Test Due To Hepatitis A In A U.S. Army Soldier

A 25 year old, single, active duty soldier presented to a clinic in Afghanistan complaining of malaise, fatigue, acholic stools, and mild jaundice over a 5- to 7-day period. He had significantly elevated liver transaminase levels approaching 5000 U/L and a positive rapid human immunodeficiency (HIV) 1 antibody test. Ultimately, the patient was found to have a false positive rapid HIV-1 antibody test due to acute hepatitis A virus infection. This case report describes his evaluation and outcome, in addition to exploring possible causes of false positive HIV screening.