Is p24 antigen test reliable 4 weeks after exposure?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 28-year-old male. I had an exposure with an unknown girl 43 days ago and the condom tore when my penis was still inside her vagina. The next morning, I saw a red mark on the tip of my penis. It disappeared in three days. I do not know the HIV status of the girl. I had done HIV 1 and 2 antibody and p24 antigen tests 31 days after the exposure, and the results were non-reactive.

I have had a low viral fever for the last five days, and my WBC count was 12,500. What are the chances of being infected? Is this test conclusive after 31 days? Also, I have had a stuffy nose for 20 days and a pain in my legs and feet for the past five days. There is no rash, headache, or sore throat. Are these the symptoms of early HIV infection?

Kindly help.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have noted your concern.

At one month, this test is 95 % sensitive. So, it is fairly accurate at this stage. However, since a condom break amounts to unprotected sex (high-risk exposure), ideally, you should follow it up with a retest at 12 weeks for an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antibody, which is 99.9 % sensitive. That would be conclusive.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Flu-like symptoms are not specific to an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. They can happen otherwise as well in healthy individuals with intact immunity. Typically, in most viral infections and acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) of early HIV infection, the WBC (white blood cell) count declines, and in particular, it is associated with a decline in CD4 and T cell count.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.