Can HIV be missed after multiple negative tests at 32?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 32-year-old male. I had a gay encounter with four men in a massage parlor on three different days. In all four cases, we have used condoms, but once the condom slipped. In my second and third encounters, I got a lot of blood, and that too, very dark color blood, and something else also came. I was under the guy. I had a word with my doctor he has asked me to get it tested.

After three weeks of my encounter, I have done the test for HIV 1 and 2 antibody screening serum test, VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory), RPR (rapid plasma reagin) serum test, and both results are non-reactive. After 35 days, I did an HIV-DUO (fourth-generation test), which was also negative. After 70 days, I have again done HIV 1 and 2 antibody screening serum, VDRL and RPR serum, and both results are non-reactive.

Again, after 75 days, I have done HIV 1 and 2 antibody screening serum, VDRL and RPR serum from a different lab, and both results are non-reactive. Again, after 91 days, I have done HIV 1 and 2 antibody screening test serum, VDRL, and RPR serum (from a different lab), and both results are non-reactive. I have had weakness for the last two months and also painless ulcers for six weeks, which are now then. I showed it to my doctor he says everything is fine.

For the last week, I have had continuous low-level pain in my stomach and a lot of acidity, and also been going to the toilet around four times. I also had a slight headache and sweating on the head. I have been taking a lot of medicines related to the stomach for the last two months. I am taking Pantacid, Rebagen, Turminice, Stablon, Nurdac, and Nurokind tablets. I did my other tests, like vitamin B1,2 which is 281, and vitamin D is 12.02.

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

HIV (human Immunodeficiency virus) infection has a window period of one to three months during which the test results can be a false negative. Homosexual exposures have a higher risk of HIV transmission than other modes. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), all test results of HIV are considered conclusive at 12 weeks after the last exposure. As your last test at 91 days after the exposure is negative, it can be concluded that you have not acquired HIV.

You should consider yourself lucky, as you have had a high-risk exposure in the form of receptive homosexual anal intercourse. Kindly refrain from all such activities in the future, too. Concerning your complaints of acidity and stomach pain, it is advisable to get your stool tested for any other infection. Do not take any further stress as your HIV result is definitely negative.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.