Is HIV test accuracy reliable after 3 months?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had sex with a sex worker a few years back. After a few days, I tested negative for HIV. I am going through many reputed websites, and they mention that six months of HIV testing is needed for confirmation for a particular case. I have had a fungal infection (Tinea) for the last seven months, and it is not curing.

I am taking treatment from many dermatologists, but I have not gotten any relief. The skin infection persists, and I also observed that I have been sweating at night, mostly on the head region. My question is, will I have a severe immune disorder that affects my HIV test for the antibody result for three months? I have hyperhidrosis, sinus problems (excessive sweating and sinus in my family) from my birth, in my past medical history.

As per the discussion with my mother, I was suffering from TB, pneumonia, typhoid, and asthma in my childhood. Nowadays, I am easily prone to infections like cold and skin problems. I am getting a fourth-generation HIV test after three months. Is this test useful for all severely immunosuppressive people? If you think I need to re-test, then which test shall I go for?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The fourth-generation test is almost confirmatory after three months. But in case of doubt, you can repeat the fourth-generation ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) after six months, and if it comes back negative even after six months, then there is no need to worry. You are HIV negative.

As you said, for a fungal infection, we need to confirm the exact cause of it.

Is it fungal or something else?
Why is it resistant?

I need to evaluate it. There could be any other cause for it, like the wrong treatment.

Do not keep the area wet. Use powder frequently to keep it dry. Avoid itching and do not scratch. Change your undergarments regularly. Do not apply any general or steroid cream like Betnovate (Betamethasone Valerate). Do not stop the medicine once you get cured. Continue the medicine to completely kill the fungal infection. Avoid excessive sweating and wet clothes.

Investigations to be done are

Fourth-generation ELISA.
Complete blood count (CBC) -Just to see your eosinophils, and cells count.
Send photos to examine fungal infection.

Check for diabetes. Diabetes is one of the common causes of resistant fungus. Send photos and treatment history for further evaluation of this. Maybe you have an immune disorder by birth (HIV is not the reason for that). I need to investigate further for that. You might have eosinophilia or other allergic diseases. Because of that, you get cold.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.