hiv 2

dear dr. H
After what you would define a low risk exposure, I had a negative result at 7 and 14 weeks using unigold recombigen that has a sensitivity considered in the range of the 3rd generation tests. Anyhow the test checks just for hiv 1. My exposure had no apparent liks to west Africa, do you think I should be retested for hiv 2, to be on the safe side?
Thanks in advance.
Regards
kai

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I take you at your word about that particular test being valid only for HIV-1 and not HIV-2; I'm not sure.  But if your sexual exposure was in North America or Europe and your partner had not traveled to Africa, I wouldn't worry about it.  Last I heard, endogenously transmitted HIV-2 had never been documented in North America (and in Europe I think, but less certain).  The odds you would be the first are astronomical.

I hope this helps.  Best wishes--

HHH, MD