HIV cheilitis symptom

[pebgood]

In January 24, 2006 in a bussiness trip I performed unprotected cunnilingus and protected vaginal sex to a prostitute in  Colombia. Event that was repeated 6 days later at the end of the trip but we then only had short oral sex both ways. I began feeling very anxious about the possibility of beeing infected with HIV. One week after I developed a sore throat that was diagnosed as caused by GERD. One month after I had a fisure in the right corner of my (lips) mouth. I went to the doctor and he said it was something called angular cheilitis. It went away with a topic cream. After two weeks the same problem reappeared and the doctor prescribed supplements of vitamin A. I went to my urologist, who practiced a physical exam and urine tests and  said not to worry about any STD. I am very worried because I found in the internet that angular cheilitis could be an HIV symptom. I am 54 and take Nexxium priodically for my GERD problem.

Please tell me:

Is there an HIV risk from the above exposure?

Do I need to get tested ?

What do you think about angular cheilitis symptom?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Angular cheilitis is a common problem, and although occasionally due to fungal infection and conceivably an opportunistic infection in association with HIV, the vast majority of cases are in people who otherwise are entirely healthy.  When associated with HIV, angular cheilitis is seen primarily in those with advanced immune deficiency, i.e. overt AIDS, several years after acquiring HIV.



With protected vaginal sex, the risk you acquired HIV from your exposures in Columbia is almost zero.  On the other hand, I suppose it is possible you have HIV acquired sometime previously; you don't say anything about your sexual lifestyle or drug use in past years.  From what you say, I see no particular reason for an HIV test, but you should ask your own doctor whether s/he recommends it.  If in doubt (e.g., if my reassurance doesn't settle your nervousness), you can be tested; it's up to you.



Good luck--  HHH, MD

[pebgood]

Doctor, Thanks for your answer. I am heterosexual. I am married, and have lived a very safe sexual life. That encounter was casual, bussiness related and drinking. No drugs at all. Taking all this into account I understand that HIV testing is not necessary.

Thanks, again. I feel much better from my anxiety.

[nsns]

The risk of HIV infection is greater for the partner who gives oral sex. Recent research presented at the 7th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in February of 2000 concluded that 8 of 122 cases in an HIV-transmission study were possibly attributable to oral sex, which implies that although going down (giving oral sex) on a man is much lower in risk than other sexual behaviors, there's still a possibility for transmission. Of these 8 infected people, however, some reported having had recent dental work or having cuts in their mouths, meaning that HIV transmission by oral sex may be associated with cuts, lesions, or irritation of the tissues in the mouth.



For the cunnilingus (oral sex on a woman) recipient, the chance of HIV transmission is also low, although the entire vagina is a mucous membrane through which, theoretically, the virus can be transmitted. A woman receiving cunnilingus is more at risk of getting herpes or gonorrhea from her partner than HIV. A person going down on a woman should avoid it during her period, for menstrual blood can carry the HIV virus.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I'm not sure the same commentary is necessary in so many threads!  See my comment above in the thread "Question about conclusiveness of testing so far".



HHH, MD

[nsns]

Sorry I just came across the info and figured I would pass it along where I though it was valid..