[Question #12832] My Test result and Accuracy at 11 weeks - 80 days

4 months ago

Dear sir,

I got exposed to Syphilis 80 days ago and condom was expired. She was prostitute. I tested at 80 days i.e 11 weeks and 3 days.

The test I did was hepatitis B and C, Syphilis and HIV ag/ab, chlymedia and gonohorrea. All came negative. I am worried because I am getting mouth ulcer and mouth thrush and mild sore throat along with mild cough.

My questions are:

Are these all test which I did are conclusive at 11 weeks or 80 days? Do I have to retest again? Because I am planning for baby.

My Syphilis result says T.pallidum total Ab (Abbott). is it they didnt test for RPR and VDRL? and when can this Syphilis test conclusive? I am in Australia

When is result for Hep B, C, Syphilis and HIV ag/ab is conclusive?

What might be the reason behind my mouth ulcer and mouth thrush and mild sore throat along with mild cough?

If everything was fine what might be the reason behind my body ache for 1 week, flu like symptoms after couple of weeks from exposure?

Please advise.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

4 months ago

Welcome back, but I don't understand why you found it necessary. I reviewed your recent discussion with Dr. Hook and agree with his evaluation and advice. If you re-read that discussion, you will see that all these questions were answered there, or the answers are obvious if you understood Dr. Hook's advice.

"Are these all test which I did are conclusive at 11 weeks or 80 days?" Yes. "Do I have to retest again?" No.

"My Syphilis result..." The T. pallidum antibody test uses a different technology than RPR and VDRL but is equally accurate. The syphilis test results discussed with Dr. Hook were conclusive. This additional test was not needed but confirmed you do not have syphilis.

"When is result for Hep B, C, Syphilis and HIV ag/ab is conclusive?" All are conclusive 6 weeks after exposure -- in Australia or anywhere else.

"mouth ulcer and mouth thrush and mild sore throat along with mild cough" and "reason behind my body ache for 1 week, flu like symptoms after couple of weeks from exposure?" These are symptoms of maybe a hundred different medical conditions. They are not very suggestive of syphilis -- but even if they were, the test results overrule these or any other symptoms you have now or might develop in the future. They are not from any infection from the sexual exposure.

"Please advise." My advice is to disregard the sexual exposure in regard to your symptoms and believe your test results. If you remain concerned, you might take advantage of the world class expertise available to you and all Australians. Your country's federally supported sexual health centres are, collectively, the world's very best network of STI/HIV clinical and prevention services. You can always contact your nearest SHC for world class advice. (If you're in the Sydney or Melbourne areas, you have access to the best of the best.)

But the main thing is to move on with no further worries. I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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4 months ago

Dear Hunter,

Thank you for your previous advise. I tested at 90 days from exposure for Syphillis, HIV combo, Hepatitis B and C. All came negative. I again tested with home test kit at 91 days to confirm with 3rd gen test. I am worried because I am planning for baby. I am worried because I have flu like symptoms even though I tested negative after 90 days

My question is

1. Can I plan for baby now? Do you think I need to ask my wife to test from her side?

2. Do I have to test again? For all STI's

3. I have read Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C window period is 6 months ? is it true?

Your advise will be great help for me. Thank you.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

4 months ago

You are testing far more than necessary! Your risk and the accuracy of testing do not change just because you are planning to have a baby.

1. Yes, you can plan for conception now. You did not need to wait this long.

2. No more testing -- please!

3. No, not true. The window for both viruses is 6 weeks; and sex with a female partner is zero risk for hepatitis C and usually zero for hep B as well. You did not need those tests, but your results were conclusive.

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3 months ago

Hi Doctor,

Hope you are doing well. As I told you I tested Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, HIV and Herpes at 99 Days from exposure and everything was negative except Herpes 1. I tested positive for Herpes 1 from blood. Its been 6 days my wife have got very bad body itch. She said it itches everywhere. I am very concerned What might be the reason. Can it be because for Herpes or any other STI? She had pimples around her lips and lasted for around 3 days. Please advise and as we are planning for baby will my positive herpes impact baby? Thank you.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

3 months ago

Half of all adults in the US, and up to 90% in some countries, test positive for HSV1. It means nothing in terms of STI risk. Herpes doesn't cause generalized body itching; your wife's itching has nothing to do with your HSV1 test result. No other STIs cause this either. "Pimples around her lips" also doesn't sound alarming. (Most people who test positive for HSV1 have oral, not genital herpes. Conceivably you infected her by kissing. But that would be an extremely unlikely coincidence. If your wife's itching or oral "pimples" continue, or if she has a visible rash, she should see a doctor about it. But her symptoms have nothing to do with the sexual exposure you describe in your question.

That concludes this thread. I hope the discussion has been helpful. Best wishes and stay safe.

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