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Does the p24 antigen disappear if HIV is left untreated?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am concerned regarding p24 antigen detection. I read in different articles that it is delectable for only two months, and later it disappears as antibodies are formed. So, I have the following concerns -

  1. Does the antigen appear again if the person is not treated?
  2. Does the p24 antigen level increase and get detected after nine months if a person is infected but not being treated?

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The p24 antigen can be detected faster than antibodies. After two months, as one produces antibodies, the virus will be killed, and the p24 might not be detectable.

However, once the antibody level reduces in the body, the antigen can be detected as the viral load increases and the immune cells are reduced.

I hope this helps you.

Take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I am worried about HIV-1 group N and group P. I got an HIV Combo test nine months after exposure, and the technician told me the machine could detect p24 antigen for all groups, including HIV-1 group N and group P.

So I wanted to confirm if p24 can be detected nine months after exposure if there is no treatment?

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It depends on whether you have contracted the infection or not.

Yes, the HIV-combo test can detect the p24 antigen if it is present. So if it is negative, it means you are negative.

I hope this helps you.

Take care.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At May 4, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 16, 2025

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