Is the HIV-2 proviral DNA test sensitive without antibodies?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am concerned about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). I have undergone sex antibody tests, and they have come back negative. Additionally, two RNA (ribonucleic acid) tests for HIV-1 did not detect the virus. I have also undergone a combined RNA or proviral DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) test for HIV-2.

Based on my research from numerous academic papers, I have learned that one-third of HIV-2 RNA tests have a lower limit of detection (100 copies per milliliter) that may not be reliable for peace of mind.

However, the lower limit of detection for the proviral DNA test is 30 copies per milliliter. Unfortunately, my research on proviral DNA has provided measurements in terms of 10e5 peripheral blood, and I am uncertain about the conversion to copies per milliliter.

Therefore, my question is, if for some reason I did not produce antibodies to HIV-2, would the lower limit of detection (30 copies per milliliter) be sensitive enough to detect the presence of HIV-2, especially in the absence of hypothetical antibodies that would help control the spread of the infection?

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. The viral load is very good (100 copies), you have gone through the fourth-generation kit test and HIV-2, both are negative so you have nothing to worry about. Why did the viral load come down to 30 copies? If HIV infection is positive then every six month CD4 count is necessary, if it is low then only viral load is low and meaningful. You are not positive so viral load never goes down and in negative cases, it hardly matters. You need not to worry as you are negative for both tests.

I would suggest you follow the following steps:

1 Maintain proper oral hygiene.

2 Maintain proper hygiene of genital organs.

3 Have a home-cooked healthy diet.

4 Add vitamin C to your diet which can be found in citrus fruits like lemon, orange, kiwi, gooseberry, blueberry, etc.

5 Add one bowl of fresh curd for lunch.

6 Have one bowl of salad before and after lunch.

7 Include different kinds of soups.

All these help in boosting the immune system.

For treatment, I would suggest you take, an antioxidant Revital for males, one at night for the long term, and seven sea cod liver oil pearls that have very good results in the general body system, one at night with milk. It can be used in the long term. These will help you in maintaining your immune system and general health.

I hope this helps you.

Regards.