what is seroconversion

Seroconversion is a term used in immunology and epidemiology to describe the development of specific antibodies in the blood serum as a result of infection or immunization, including vaccination. In the context of HIV, seroconversion refers to the period during which HIV antibodies first become detectable in the blood, usually within a few weeks of infection. During seroconversion, antibodies appear within one to two weeks and will continue to increase in the months after infection. Seroconversion is often, but not always, accompanied by a flu-like illness, which happens in at least half of the people infected with HIV, but may happen in as many as 80-90% of all infections. Symptoms typically appear within a month of infection and tend to go away within two to three weeks. Symptoms may include fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, tiredness, body rash, oral thrush, weight loss, joint pains, and sore throat.