A known HIV infected patient presents with a non-tender parotid gland swelling. The most likely diagnosis is:
**Core Concept**
Salivary gland swelling in an HIV-infected patient is often due to a specific opportunistic infection that targets the parotid gland, leading to enlargement and inflammation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to a type of opportunistic infection that is common in HIV-infected patients. This condition is caused by the cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is a member of the herpesvirus family. CMV infection in HIV-infected patients can lead to salivary gland enlargement, particularly affecting the parotid gland. The virus infects the glandular tissue, causing inflammation and swelling. The parotid gland becomes enlarged due to the viral infection, which can be a life-threatening complication in immunocompromised patients.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not relate to the specific opportunistic infection that affects the parotid gland in HIV-infected patients. The condition described in the question is not typically associated with mumps.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is a type of cancer that affects the salivary glands, but it is not the most likely diagnosis in an HIV-infected patient presenting with parotid gland swelling.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is a type of bacterial infection that can cause salivary gland swelling, but it is not the most likely diagnosis in an HIV-infected patient.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a common opportunistic infection in HIV-infected patients, but CMV salivary gland infection is also a potential complication that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of salivary gland swelling in these patients.
**Correct Answer: C. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the parotid gland is the most likely diagnosis.**