[Question #10134] Post PEP Testing + Hep A & B

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25 months ago
Hello again, my clinic was less than interested in me after declining PreP

I had hoped to double check my thinking on the conclusiveness of the tests performed after my possible exposure:

Post PEP: 15 days negative HIV by RNA, 28, 41, 49 days negative by AbAg - By my eye this is conclusive correct?

Negative Urine for Gonorrhea 58 days after Ceftriaxone, Negative for Chlamydia 51 days after Doxy, Negative for Syphillis 10.5 weeks after exposure - All of this makes sense since I was treated but I wanted to double check, I'm assuming these are conclusive and drift into overtesting

I did not get tested for HSV2 per the smaller chance of that item or get tested for Hep A & B but was left wondering with an additional question in regards to Hep A & Hep B. Reading the forum, it seems Hep A doesn't really spread in hetero couples, Hep B spreads in homosexual couples, and Hep C doesn't really qualify as STD. Could I possibly get some clarification on the protection the vaccines offer? It seems the Hep A is effective for life, but the Hep B is somewhere between 20-30 years or life? A combo of this event and fruit recalls has left me thinking about these more than average

Thank you again


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Edward W. Hook M.D.
25 months ago
Welcome back to the Forum  On this occasion your new questions happened to be assigned to me so I will be replying.  I have reviewed your earlier interaction with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he said.  

I'm sorry your clinic reacted as you imply when you declined PrEP.  This is a personal decision.  I suspect that you made the decision thoughtfully.

Regarding your new questions:  Your gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis results are all conclusive and, as would be predicted show no evidence of infection.  No need for further testing related to the encounter you described.  

You don't mention your age but I would encourage vaccination for both hepatitis B and hepatitis A- the combination vaccine is safe, highly effective and provides life-long protection.  you are correct that hepatitis C is not heterosexually transmitted to a meaningful degree and among men with other men as partners, hepatitis C transmission is uncommon and most strongly associated with receptive rectal intercourse.  

I hope I've provided the information you are seeking.  If anything is unclear, please use your up to two follow-ups for clarification.  EWH
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25 months ago
Hello,

Thank you for answering my question in regards to vaccination. I did receive my Hep A and B vaccines, but the Hep B vaccine was about 25 years ago so I was wondering how long that protection would remain, lifelong is the answer I had hoped for. It seems there is no recommendation for boosters correct?

Declining PreP was based on the knowledge that I don't intend to repeat my mistake ever again. If I could highlight my question in regards to the conclusiveness of the Post PEP testing in regards to HIV:

Post PEP: 15 days negative HIV by RNA, 28, 41, 49 days negative by AbAg - Based on Dr Handfield's previous recommendation, 6 & 7 week after the fact 4th gen tests would indicate that I didn't contract HIV during this exposure. I don't intend to continue testing since I don't intend to repeat this process but as 12 weeks post PEP is this week and 3 months next week, I had a small jolt of anxiety to just get another test, is that the personal decision you reference?

Thank you!
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
25 months ago
Correct, there is no recommendation for boosting the hepatitis B vaccine.

Sorry if my response was confusing.  You post-PEP results are conclusive.  No further testing is needed.

The “ personal decision “ I referred to was your decision not to pursue PrEP.  I was reacting to your statement that the clinic had become “ less than interested “ after you declined PrEP.  This strikes me as not very respectful.  EWH 
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