Can saliva cause HIV infection?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am pleased to help you with your concern.

The risk of transmission of the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) in the scenario you have described is extremely low, even if your sexual partner was an infected carrier.

There is very little evidence to support a high transmission risk via saliva and practically, it is not regarded as a concern unless there is an open erosion or an ulcer in the area exposed to the saliva. Testosterone does not affect the accuracy or result of the HIV ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test. The strictest protocols advise a final HIV test six months after exposure to finally conclude non-transmission in the case of a very rare, long window period that is a negative test but actually infected. The chances that you contracted HIV from the above history are extremely low. I would suggest a final repeat ELISA in four months' time. If this test is also negative, it can be regarded as conclusive.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The fourth generation test does shorten the period to possibly conclusively to 12 weeks, that is, plus or minus 90 days. Considering the conclusively with either of the tests before 12 weeks is not correct if one uses conservative protocols, which allow for the very rare cases where patients mount a delayed immune response.

The history you gave detailing a single exposure and the negative assays at 30 days make the likelihood that you were infected extremely unlikely. But I would not be able to use the word 'conclusive' unless there is another negative test at 12 weeks. The fourth generation is fine.

I would advise a final repeat at 12 weeks and relaxing in the meantime.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, you can take your current non-reactive (negative) test result at five months, which is confirmed and, in keeping with multiple previous tests during that period, as conclusive. There is no good evidence (Grade 1/2/3) that proves a causal relationship between testosterone and window period alteration. Studies could be suggestive of some (unproven) exactly what influences some individuals at best. Medical evidence (studies) is a very difficult science just to interpret (read in) correctly in itself.

Congratulations, you can relax now and put this issue to rest.

Make sure you keep yourself safe, so you never have to be so concerned about possible infection again.

I wish you a good day and a healthy year further.