[Virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) as an initial manifestation in HIV infection].

A 21-year-old man admitted for idiopathic fever and sore throat was diagnosed with virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) when bone marrow aspirate showed hemophagocytosis. ELISA for HIV antibodies was negative, although HIV RNA was positive. VAHS is extremely rare as an initial manifestation in HIV infection, being reported, to our knowledge, in only 4 subjects in Japan.