Newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus after sepsis-like reaction totrimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

A rare sepsis-like hypersensitivity reaction has been observed in persons w ith human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after exposure to trimethoprim-sulfa methoxazole. This reaction most commonly occurs on rechallenge with the dru g and is manifested by a syndrome resembling bacterial sepsis. The mechanis m of this unusual reaction remains unclear. We describe the first case in w hich this severe hypersensitivity reaction was the initial manifestation of HIV.