[Question #11104] Sorry to be back

17 months ago

Hi doctors- sorry to be back, but part of my question in the previous thread was cut off, and didn’t get answered before it closed.

I have read that there have been some cases where a person did infact have HIV, but never developed antibodies, even when progressed to aids. I am afraid that I could be one of these rare cases. My questions are:

1. If I am one of those rare people who don’t develop antibodies, does that mean I won’t develop antigens either?

2.Would my 4th generation hiv test be positive with the antigen even if I never develop antibodies?

3.Should I take another HIV RNA test to make sure I’m not one of the rare people who never develop antibodies?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

17 months ago

I see nothing you asked in your just-completed thread that wasn't answered; or at least the answers to these questions are obvious from that discussion.

1,2. With the modern HIV tests, there is no such thing as not having detectable antibody. Most such reports go back to older antibody tests no longer in use; or such instances occur so rarely that it doesn't matter. If somehow you had HIV but did not have detectable antibody, your antigen and RNA levels would be even higher than otherwise and all the tests you had would be positive.

3. There is no need for another RNA test or any other test.

The forum does not permit repeated questions on the same topic or exposure. All five of your previous threads reveal your inflated anxieties about STI/HIV risks in general, and you have been resistant to the reasoned, science-based evaluations and advice you have had repeatedly. This will have to be your last one; future questions on these topics and your inflated fears will receive no reply and the posting fee will not be refunded. This policy is based on compassion, not criticism, and is intended to reduce temptations to keep paying for questions with obvious answers. In addition, experience shows that continued answers tend to prolong users' anxieties rather than reducing them. Finally, such questions have little educational value for other users, one of the forum's main purposes. Thanks for your understanding.

HHH, MD

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