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Hi Doctor, I Had Hiv Exposure 5years Back And I
Question: Hi Doctor,
I had hiv exposure 5years back and i had done 30 tests (3rd generation Elisa, 4th generation duo test and western blot test) in the span of 4 years every test is negative and i realised i have wasted 4 years after consulting doctors XXXXXXX as well as online. Was happy till now but below article has made me stressed out. I really need help in interpreting this article . In that article they are saying PCR test which is accurate. Please advice its been 5 years now whether i need to do the PCR test now.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC0000/
Thanks
I had hiv exposure 5years back and i had done 30 tests (3rd generation Elisa, 4th generation duo test and western blot test) in the span of 4 years every test is negative and i realised i have wasted 4 years after consulting doctors XXXXXXX as well as online. Was happy till now but below article has made me stressed out. I really need help in interpreting this article . In that article they are saying PCR test which is accurate. Please advice its been 5 years now whether i need to do the PCR test now.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC0000/
Thanks
link which stressed me ou
https:/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC0000/
https:/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC0000/
Brief Answer:
In my opinion, you are free from HIV
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to ASK A DOCTOR through HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
First of all almost all the tests available in the market are highly reliable The rapid HIV tests are reliable up to 97% whereas 4th generation tests are reliable up to 99%. Molecular test are also highly reliable.
In my HIV practice of 35 years, I never came across such a situation where in the presence of HIV disease with persistent non reactive rapid HIV tests.
But at the same time I had come across some reports in very advanced diseases like syphilis, possibility of antibody tests remain nonreactive. In very advanced cases when immune system impaired very much, then antibodies cannot be formed or refreshed with antibody formation after the existing antibodies depleted.
This can be applied HIV disease also.
But in your case, it will not be fit as you are not having any symptoms of advanced disease. Not to worry.
We had come across many individuals exposed to HIV individuals remain uninfected. (as in discordant couples).
I don't think you need a molecular test for HIV, I f worried much have HIV PCR test and rule out HIV.
Dr S. Murugan
In my opinion, you are free from HIV
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to ASK A DOCTOR through HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
First of all almost all the tests available in the market are highly reliable The rapid HIV tests are reliable up to 97% whereas 4th generation tests are reliable up to 99%. Molecular test are also highly reliable.
In my HIV practice of 35 years, I never came across such a situation where in the presence of HIV disease with persistent non reactive rapid HIV tests.
But at the same time I had come across some reports in very advanced diseases like syphilis, possibility of antibody tests remain nonreactive. In very advanced cases when immune system impaired very much, then antibodies cannot be formed or refreshed with antibody formation after the existing antibodies depleted.
This can be applied HIV disease also.
But in your case, it will not be fit as you are not having any symptoms of advanced disease. Not to worry.
We had come across many individuals exposed to HIV individuals remain uninfected. (as in discordant couples).
I don't think you need a molecular test for HIV, I f worried much have HIV PCR test and rule out HIV.
Dr S. Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. LAKSHMI
And thanks for you time, In your opinion I donât need to go for any test correct. If that is the case don’t want to stress myself by doing PCR or any other test.
Brief Answer:
You are most welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Yes, In my opinion you don't need any more test for HIV.
Dr S. Murugan
You are most welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Yes, In my opinion you don't need any more test for HIV.
Dr S. Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV 1 and 2 infection beyond any doubt.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Advance HIV disease is the one in which the CD4 count of the individual has fallen below 100 cells /cu. mm and with a high viral load and also severe opprtunustic infections. An individual my go for advance HIV disease 15 years after the infection, if not taken treatment with appropriate ART.
Your diabetic state (HbA1C is almost normal) has nothing to do with HIV disease.
Dr S. Murugan
You are free from HIV 1 and 2 infection beyond any doubt.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Advance HIV disease is the one in which the CD4 count of the individual has fallen below 100 cells /cu. mm and with a high viral load and also severe opprtunustic infections. An individual my go for advance HIV disease 15 years after the infection, if not taken treatment with appropriate ART.
Your diabetic state (HbA1C is almost normal) has nothing to do with HIV disease.
Dr S. Murugan
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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