[Question #1246] HIV transfer through Gonorrhea/Chlamydia

98 months ago

Dear Dr. Handsfield,

More than three weeks ago I had sex with a woman, a week later I started developing symptoms of Gonorrhea ( yellow pus discharge) I went to see my urologist and he gave me 1g IM Ceftrixoane and 1g of Zithromax pill along with 100mg of Clindmaycin for 3 days. After 3-5 days later I started to feel better whereby symptoms are not there anymore.

I am wondering if HIV virus get transferred through Gonorrhea or Chlamydia infections?? It's been almost a month since my last sexual encounter is it enough time to test for HIV virus??? Iam really concerned and worried.

Also my doctor took urine sample and he did a swab test on me, result are still pending.

Regards

Sol

Edward W. Hook M.D.

98 months ago

Welcome to our Forum. I will be glad to comment. The treatment your urologist gave you is recommended therapy for gonorrhea and chlamydia and you have responded as would be expected. No further cultures for gonorrhea or chlamydia are need for this infection and there is no need for follow-up syphilis testing as the treatment you took would also prevent syphilis if you were exposed at the time you acquired gonorrhea. On the other hand, you should have an HIV test. The presence of gonorrhea increased the transmission and risk of getting HIV over situations in which a person is exposed to HIV in a sex partner who does not have other STIs. At this time, 6 2eeks following your exposure a 4th generation, combination HIV antigen/antibody test will be entirely accurate and provide reliable results. I recommend that you get tested for HIV at this time. If your test is negative, which is the most likely outcome, you can move forward without further concern of testing. EWH
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98 months ago

Dear Dr.

Many thanks for your reply .

What if I do both tests 4 generation and PCR (RNA/DNA) test??. Will I still have to do the test again after 3months???.

Thanks again.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

98 months ago

If you test at this time with a 4th generation HIV test your results will be duplicative. Adding and HIV PCR to the 4th generation test is a waste of time and money. Further, if you test at this time, there is no logical reason for additional testing. EWH
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