What is the HIV test accuracy after 16 weeks?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am unmarried. I had protected sex with a CSW (Community Sex Worker). After 16 weeks, the STD (sexually transmitted disease) test for HSV (herpes simplex virus) 1+2 IgG (immunoglobulin G) is 13.30, the chlamydia trachomatis antibody IgG is 1.13, and the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) 1/2 combo P24 test is 0.05.

I am depressed that I have herpes, and there is no chance of being HIV positive in the future.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

HIV infection has a window period of one to three months and during which the test results may have false negative results. According to WHO (World Health Organization), all results are considered conclusive at 12 weeks after the last high risk exposure. As your results are negative, even at the 16th week, you can be sure that you have not acquired HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection.

You need not repeat the tests any further and can leave all your fears. Kindly upload the test result of HSV (human simplex virus), so that I can go through it and let you know better regarding the infectivity.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity), and you are clear of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). With regard to HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus), IgG (Immunoglobulin G) positivity suggests that you had been infected some time ago,either clinical or subclinical. It does not suggest that you are infectious to others. Nearly 80 percent of the population has IgG antibodies to HSV by the age of 25 years, mostly through subclinical infection.

There is no reason to feel depressed, as HSV is not always an STD (sexually transmitted disease). Although the virus remains dormant for a long time, it does not have any serious implications for your health. Moreover, it is necessary to treat HSV only if you are currently symptomatic and have lesions, either over your genitalia or the angle of your lips.

You can take Tablet Acyclovir 400 mg three times a day for a week in case you are symptomatic at present.

Please allay your fears and get back to normal life. You are totally healthy, fit, and fine.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

IgG positivity for Chlamydia on EIA method (environmental impact assessment) is insufficient to diagnose that you are currently infected. The test of choice would be nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) from urethral discharge if you have any. If you are symptomatic, then there is no need to treat it as you have already gained protective antibodies.

I suggest Azithromycin 1 g single dose if you are having symptomatic urethral discharge. Please consult your doctor, discuss with him or her and take the medicine with consent.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.