Q. Are my symptoms due to HIV infection? I had a high-risk exposure 15 months ago.

Hi doctor,

After 15 months of unprotected sex, I went for HIV test called Comb AIDS test but, the result came back negative for both HIV-1 and 2. Again after three months, I redid the test, but even this time, the result was negative. I was not satisfied, so I went for ELISA test, and again the results came back negative. I consulted two general physicians, who told me that I do not have HIV. But, I am still worried because of the symptoms that I have. I am a male, who weighs 62 kg, and I am 6 feet tall.

The symptoms i'm having are:

• severe weakness,
• ulcers in mouth and tongue,
• fatigue,
• pain in legs while sleeping,
• itching in the private part,
• occasional sore throat,
• occasional itching and pain in ears,
• and black spots on my back.

I remember having loose motions after a week of unprotected sex. At that time, the doctor told me that I have food poisoning, and I was alright after taking medicines. Are these HIV tests done by me reliable? Was the loose motion caused due to HIV? Is it possible that my immune system was so weak to detect antibodies during my HIV test? Should I go for another test such as PCR RNA test? Please help me, I am worried. Your kind response will be appreciated. Thank you.

Thank you doctor,

I have some more questions, and please reply. I used to pee frequently, and it produces a foul smell. It makes me feel that I may be HIV positive. I am taking medicine called Amroid, which I think is a herbal or ayurvedic product to cure my piles problem. Is there any chance that the mentioned medicine would have made my HIV test false negative? Are comb AIDS test and ELISA negative after 15 to 16 months of unprotected sex too late to detect antibodies? I hear that when HIV become AIDS, then HIV antibody test result is negative. So, I am wondering if I may be at the AIDS stage. Honestly, I have no high-risk exposure after the unprotected sex dating 15 to 16 months back. As you have assured that there is no need for further testing, what do you think about PCR RNA test? Should I go for that test or I do not need to do that? I might be confusing you through my long statements, but I really need your help. I am very worried. I would be grateful if you would take a serious study of my case and give me a detailed reply. Thank you.

Thank you doctor,

I have few more questions. Which generation is Comb AIDS test? Is it third or fourth generation? What about doctors suggesting for PCR RNA test? Because a doctor told me that it is safe to say that I am HIV negative, but if I want to be surer, then I better go for PCR RNA test. I got alarmed by that. But, I also heard from other sources that PCR RNA test is not required after six months of possible exposure. What do you say about this issue? I am physically a weak person, so is there any chance that my body did not produce any antibody to detect the HIV during the Comb AIDS and ELISA tests? I am not very sure about the last exposure, but I am sure that maximum time passed is 18 months. Then what is the cause of my problems such as ulcers in the mouth, throat pain, itchy and pain in ears, black and red spots on my back, itching on the private part, pungent smell of urine and extreme fatigue, waking up suddenly at night while sleeping? I have never experienced extreme fatigue like this before. Would you please give a patient reading and reply. Thank you.