[Question #10456] Could not let it go
 |
22 months ago
|
Hello doctors , I did a 4th generation test after 5month mark in a lab and it was negative ... but unfortunatly before the test i read so much on the web there are question in my mind which are not allowing me to let this incident pass . i know myself i need the answers or i will keep search more and cause even more confusion . so please help me out this time !
1-how is Hiv (non clade b) , diagnosed which test is used ? there is alot about it on the web it got me confused . what is so significant about it or different about it from other strains ?
2-which hiv strains can not be detected or are more difficult to be detected by a standard lab 3rd or 4th gen test and require a different or specific test to be found like an PCR test . when u suspect hiv in a patient with a different strain what test do you order ?
3-Elite controllers suppress their viral load to undetectable levels , are their antibodies also going undetectable ? or do the antibodies become less ?
5- Are their cases where an hiv case was only found by an pcr test ?
|
22 months ago
|
6-Are Seronegatives and delayed seroconverts detected by p24 ?
7-Does it not make sense to say that elite controllers have a longer window period (slower antibody production )as they suppress virus and so less antibodies are created .
Please help me answer these questions , i have to exclude every possibility and right now i have the opportunity to test further and find out myself privatlely, deal with the situation and find a solution in case things turn around otherwise (God forbid ) . getting married in the next months , until i find the answers i am avoiding my family and fiance .
 |
Edward W. Hook M.D.
22 months ago
|
Welcome back to the Forum although I'm sorry you felt the need. On this occasion, your follow-up questions were assigned to me so I reviewed your earlier interaction with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he said. The encounter you describe was a virtually no risk encounter and your tests effectively proved that you were not infected and that your symptoms were not due to HIV. I would urge you to stay of the internet in looking for answers. Much of what is there is incorrect, either because it is taken out of context, it is out of date or it is just plain wrong. Your fears are groundless. I will provide brief responses to your follow-up questions:
1-how is Hiv (non clade b) , diagnosed which test is used ? there is alot about it on the web it got me confused . what is so significant about it or different about it from other strains ?
All HIV subtypes, including Clade B are accurately diagnosed by current tests for HIV. You are being misled by the internet. The different clades are primarily important for vaccine research.
2-which hiv strains can not be detected or are more difficult to be detected by a standard lab 3rd or 4th gen test and require a different or specific test to be found like an PCR test . when u suspect hiv in a patient with a different strain what test do you order ?
See my response above. All HIV subtypes are accurately identified by standard HIV testing
3-Elite controllers suppress their viral load to undetectable levels , are their antibodies also going undetectable ? or do the antibodies become less ?
Elite controllers still have positive tests for HIV. Do not be misled.
5- Are their cases where an hiv case was only found by an pcr test ?
No. PCR tests become positive sooner than the standard tests- they become positive at 1o-11 days. By 4 weeks and certainly by 6 weeks everyone with HIV would have a positive test.
6-Are Seronegatives and delayed seroconverts detected by p24 ?
The idea of "delayed seroconversion is an internet myth. Yes, if they existed, they would be detected.
7-Does it not make sense to say that elite controllers have a longer window period (slower antibody production )as they suppress virus and so less antibodies are created .
No, elite controllers do not have a longer "window" until their tests become positive.
Please believe Dr. Handsfield's statement which I now confirm. You do not have HIV. I urge you to stay off the internet and move forward without continuing concern. EWH
--- |
22 months ago
|
1-doctor my last test was the elecsys hiv combi pt combo , they state it detects group m and its subtypes and group O , but not group N or P , even others like abbot architect and accees they do not include this two types ,,, why is that if you could explain to me ? becuase they are very rare or do not infect human ,etc ? what if i picked up one of this two types .
2- with my last test can i be certain that i am hiv 1 and 2 free with their types and subtypes .
3-Can we say that out of a 100 new infections maybe 1 is from a female to male transmission , as i read its unlikely but not impossible is that true ?
I undertand i start to be annoying and i am soory about it .Thank you
|
Edward W. Hook M.D.
22 months ago
|
1. The Abbott test will detect all relevant stains of HIV
2. Yes, you can be certain yu do not have HIV
3. Female to male transmission of HIV does occur however, you have proved that you were not infected
EWH
--- |
22 months ago
|
last question ... Does the Roche cobas ELECSIS HIV COMBI PT which IS 4th generation also detect all relevant strains , as i do not know where I can find an abbot architect .
|
Edward W. Hook M.D.
22 months ago
|
Yes, the Roche 4th generation HIV test tests for all relevant strains.
We provide up to three responses to each client's questions. This is my 3rd response. In addition, you previously interacted with Dr. Handsfield. you should not return with addition,, unfounded, anxiety-driven questions. You do not have HIV. If you return, your question may be closed without a response and without return of your posting fee. EWH
---