HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialisthivAm I infected with HIV despite showing repeated negative HIV results?

All my HIV tests are negative. But, I feel like I am infected. Do I need more tests?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 9, 2017
Reviewed AtJuly 7, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had an unprotected encounter with a CSW (Community Sex Worker) four months ago. Since then, I have had diarrhea malaise and lost 4 kg in about two months. And three days later, I developed thrush with large white patches on the back of my tongue, and my stomach was bloating. My specialist said that I have a candida overgrowth. Then, I had CBC with 13 % lymphocytes. I had another CBC (Complete Blood Count) with lymphocytes at 18 %. I had an HIV test at 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 16, 17, and 18 weeks. All of them were negative. Also, I have gained a few kilos back now. I cannot understand that the girl is also 15 weeks negative by RNA PCR (Ribonucleic Acid Polymerase Chain Reaction) and Western blot, but her CBC shows a WBC (White Blood Cells) count of 12.5, and she had thalassemia minor. I feel like I am infected with HIV, as my body is just not producing a detectable level of antibodies, and a six-month HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) test would be required as there is no other explanation. I am Herpes-1 positive, CMV (Cytomegalovirus) positive, and Hepatitis-A positive. The rest of the STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are negative.

Kindly advise.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) test result at 18 weeks post-exposure suggests negative, and as per the information, your partner is also negative. If you had no further exposure, you do not require any more tests for HIV. There are only rare instances of a late seroconversion at six months reported in the literature. If you are unsure about the exposure and the test results, get a repeat HIV antibody test from a different accredited lab. The symptoms could be due to various reasons and do not necessarily suggest HIV. Also, I suggest you check ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), fasting blood sugar levels, and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your suggestion.

Are tests at an accredited laboratory trustworthy?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, you can get the test done at an accredited laboratory.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I just had 175 days HIV test as negative. Is it conclusive enough and should I stop worrying now? I did not had any other exposure within this time.

Please share your suggestion.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, you should stop worrying and continue with healthy and happy living. Move forward and take precautions in the future.

Best wishes!

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva
Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva

HIV/AIDS specialist

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