Is it possible to have HIV without developing antibodies?

Question

Hello doctor,

I want to present my case to you. Three years ago, I had a relationship with a person, and after one year, I started to have symptoms. I did seven HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) tests in the last six months, and all were negative. However, I still have the following symptoms: sinusitis, swollen and painful lymph nodes, sweating, candidiasis on the nails, heart problems, and low lymphocyte levels. I want to ask you, is it possible to have HIV without developing antibodies? What further investigations should I do?

Kindly guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Can you please tell me the name of the test you underwent?

I am looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You do not have HIV, and you do not require any further testing. All the mentioned symptoms can be attributed to another infection, for which I would advise you to consult a good physician and get your full blood workup done. The combo test detects both antigen and antibody, so even in cases where there is no antibody in the blood, the antigen must be present, so you do not have HIV.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.