[Question #8080] HIV testing/symptoms 2

49 months ago

Hello Doctor/s

I am reporting again here (follow up from #8038)

As dr. Handsfield has told me, my results didn't change at 90 days. Among the before mentioned tests (Ag/Ab) at 2/3/4/6/8/9/10 weeks, i had another 2 tests - ECLIA Ag/Ab at 12 weeks (84 days) and CMIA at 13 weeks (90days) - both negative.

Although the results eliminated anxiety and worry, i am still a bit puzzled and it would really help me if you could provide answers to a few more questions:

As Dr. Handsfield mentioned in #8038, my symptoms are consistent with ARS, but all my negative tests prove otherwise.Have You ever heard about and/or seen such cases in practice? (Where symptoms are in exact timeframe after risky situation for ARS, and are very consistent with it, but it is not due to HIV.) And if yes-what is the most common explanation/cause for them?
I have read that HIV-1 subtype O , HIV recombinant, and HIV-2 can be hard to detect even with Ag/Ab assays- is that a legit information?
Are HIV assays (Ag/Ab) same throughout the world? (CMIA/ECLIA/ELISA). I am not in US, but in EU.
My GP considers my results to be conclusive (as i have tested negative at 3 months). Is there ANY possibility for them to turn positive later at 4/5/6 months? (Pep/prep werent used, no additional exposures in the meantime)
My Anti-TP Syphillis test (igm/igg) is negative at 10 weeks, as well as my Anti-HCV - would you consider that to be conclusive?
Can i get back to my normal sex life with my regular partner?
I don't think this information is true, but i heard that some HIV tests are "detuned" (made less sentitive) due to cross reactivity with covid-19. What do you think about that?
Final question: Would you consider, with all information i have provided, that im definitely HIV free?

I requested an RNA-PCR-HIV-1 assay, but in my country it is never used for diagnostics, only when serology and/or Western blot are positive and for viral load tracking in infected individuals, so i was refused.

Thank You in advance!

Ps: the symptoms that remain for me are: cervical, occipital and axillar lymphadenopaty (pain is strongest in afternoon/evening), petechial rash in the morning that dissapears an hour-2 later, loose stools/diarrhea, red bloodshot eyes, interdigital intertigo that comes and goes, very faint maculopapular rash on chest.

(Sorry for the long message)

Edward W. Hook M.D.

49 months ago

Welcome back to our forum. As you know, Dr. Handsfield and I share the forum and on this occasion I happened to pick up your follow up questions. I have reviewed your earlier interactions with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he said. I will go straight to your questions.

1. The symptoms of the ARS are the same as the symptoms of any number of viral, flu – like illnesses. In fact, in studies in which at risk persons seeking care were evaluated for HIV because symptoms such as the sort you describe, only 1% of them were due to HIV. The remainder were due to influenza and a wide variety of other viruses.

2. Concerns about HIV subtype O and other variants are urban myths which are promoted on the Internet. All current tests for HIV are accurate for detection of HIV, including HIV subtype O. Like Dr. Handsfield, I urge you to believe your test results. Further testing is a waste of resources and time.

3. Yes

4. I agree with your GP. There is no need for further testing. If your symptoms are continuing and not a manifestation of anxiety, rather than worry about HIV, you may want to be evaluated for other illnesses. I would trust your GP to guide you in this.

5. Yes, your syphilis and hepatitis C (which is not typically transmitted sexually) are conclusive. No further testing is needed.

6. Yes

7. This is not true and sounds like another bit of misinformation of the sort which is all too common on the Internet.

8. You have proved repeatedly that you did not require HIV from the encounter you described. There is no reason for continuing concern and no reason for further testing.

I hope the information that I have provided, validating Dr. Handsfield’s other statements, it’s helpful to you and where are you to move forward without continued concern or unnecessary testing. Take care. EWH

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49 months ago

Thank You very much for Your reply Dr. Hook.

I must do my best to believe the results, and will try not to test anymore. (As this is already an overkill)

I am aware of the risk i had, an this is literally the single most stupidest thing i've ever done. This is, and will be the only such risk. You won't see me again here after this crysis dissapears. And i guess the good thing about this whole experience is the lesson i got - and learned for good :)

So,

- I dont need anymore HIV testing that reflects on that single exposure 3 months ago,

- I can go back to my regular partner with no fear of transmission,

- Its impossible to have HIV symptoms that long, and that all those Ag/Ab tests are negative,

Would You say that this is correct?

Also, one more question: Have You personally ever seen or heard about a 3 month negative Ag/Ab that became positive anytime later from a single exposure with absence of PEP/PrEP. Is that even possible?

I Thank You again for Your time and patience.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

49 months ago

Each of the three statements you make above is correct. It is past time for you to stop beating yourself up, realize did you did not become infected through your misstep and move forward. If you cannot do this on your own, I urge you to seek professional counseling now because there’s anything wrong with you but in order to help you work through you or guilt and anxiety.

Your follow up question is repetitive. I have never seen nor heard of a person who had negative HIV test such as you have then went on to show that they were infected despite negative tests.

EWH

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