HIV test results -- Looking for Closure

[Todd1982]

Knowledgeable Doctors,

Let me first remark, great site! The archives are a great feature and I found one related entry but I want to elaborate on it a bit further.

I understand the risk of my sexual encounter was not high -- but i am simply trying to cover all my bases,

The main point of my question is to confirm that Hepatitis A, B, C -- or any other kind of hepatitis (or other std), if contracted simultaneously (or any other time ) -- cannot affect the outcome of an HIV test. I took Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C tests 5months and one week after my sexual acts -- they were negative, is this past the incubation period, or window period, or whatever it is called? And whats more,  I have taken two HIV tests, one at 4 months  (this was an orasure-RAPID) and one at 5 months (blood test at a clinic in my city). So what is my question -- I was told by a friend that hepatitis can disrupt the hiv test. The archives state no medical condition has this effect so am I simply receiving bogus information?

And last, I have genital herpes HSV1-- the forum archives seem to state this is not a big risk increaser  but  I would really like to know how it applies to HIV tests and my future HIV risk.

Your resume's are remarkable and I know your advice can direct me in the proper direction,
Truly yours,

Todd

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Correct.  EWH

[Todd1982]

Doctor -- sorry the first two sentences you wrote have me a little confused -- I think you are tellnig me that my results are valid for both my HIV test and my Hepatitis test -- is this correct?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You are asking the same question again and again.  I will not repeat myself again, the tests are valid.  Further questions will be deleted.  EWH

[Todd1982]

Just to be totally clear -- tests are valid even if i was simultaneously infected with one more stds like Hiv / Hepatitis / ETC ?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Your test results are negative and if you had acquired any of the STDs including HIV, it would not disrupt the results of your tests for other infections.  You test results are valid.

As far as genital HSV-1, this has not been well studied. The have been multiple posts on this topic.  It is reasonable to think that genital HSV-1 could increase one's risk for getting HIV but how much is unknown.  Perhaps to put it if perspective, I will point out that it is unlikely to increase risk more than HSV-2 and the increment is likely less.  Think of the odds - your partner would have to have HIV and then you chance of getting HIV after a single, unprotected genital exposure would be about 1 in 1000.  HSV-2 is thought to increase risk of acquisition about 3-fold, thus to about a 3 in 1000 chance.  Genital HSV-1 would not increase it more and could increase it less.  Not much of an increase for future exposures.  EWH