Can Humira use impact HIV test results?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 31-year-old male. I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease for years, and I have been on Humira 40 mg every two weeks. I had unprotected sex with two different girls a year ago. I have had three HIV tests and one HIV combi Elecsys at 10 months from the last possible exposure. After a few days of the first possible exposure, I had the flu. After a few weeks of the last possible exposure, I started to have some skin condition, Sebopsoriasis, around my mouth and under my armpit. I am also losing some muscle weight. All my HIV and Elecsys test results came back negative. My questions are:

Are my tests reliable?
Does Crohn's disease affect HIV test results?
Being on Humira, will it affect HIV tests?
Does Humira cause a false negative? Also, I know that sebopsoriasis is associated with HIV.
Are there any other tests I have to do?

I am under huge stress, and I need your help.

Kindly guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Going by your description, it seems highly unlikely that you have contracted HIV infection. The ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) detects antibodies to HIV antigens, whereas the combi test detects both antibodies and antigen. Since you have done these tests much after the exposure, I believe there is a little chance that you could be harboring HIV infection.

The rashes you have developed are more likely to be a part of Crohn's disease syndrome progression. Humira, although it may suppress the production of antibodies, does not affect the detection of HIV antigen. Crohn's disease has various non-intestinal manifestations that could crop up anytime. I believe the new rashes are a part of Crohn's disease syndrome complex.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Humira does not directly affect the HIV test. However, since Humira decreases the overall immunity, it can lead to a decreased immune response against the antigen. I believe another test for HIV is not indicated at present. You should be evaluated for intestinal manifestations of Crohn's disease and treated accordingly. The exact treatment depends upon how severe the manifestations are and whether there is a relapse or not.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.