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Test results after PEP
Got exposed 28 June, anal insertive sex with philipino sex worker (high risk), condom broke. Started PEP (Truvada, Stocrin) 24H after exposure. Completed 30 days course, with adherence to treatment. 2 days after I stopped PEP I started to feel sore throat, nausea, sweating, itching. 2 weeks after (16 days) since condition was not improving and had as well swollen limph gland (armpit) went to doctor.Was also feeling quite tired. Tested the 16 August RNA, antigen P24 and antibody. All test returned negative, (RNA<75 copy/ml). Finally I had one small mouth ulcer. Surprisingly I have no real fever. Since I had still the same the 08 September I returned to the doctor and tested again antibody and also antigen P24 the result came back today again negative.
I do not know what to think are those negative results meaningfull? I have heard the the RNA test is quite sensitive and would eventually detect the virus even if there's no antibody after 2 weeks completing PEP? I'm now very anxious and monitor any deviations...to normal condition. What are the chance that I've been infected by VIH? I will surely repeat test in 3 weeks and 7 weeks...to validate but meanwhile would appreciate your opinion on this case.
I do not know what to think are those negative results meaningfull? I have heard the the RNA test is quite sensitive and would eventually detect the virus even if there's no antibody after 2 weeks completing PEP? I'm now very anxious and monitor any deviations...to normal condition. What are the chance that I've been infected by VIH? I will surely repeat test in 3 weeks and 7 weeks...to validate but meanwhile would appreciate your opinion on this case.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Thank you very much for your post and welcome to our forum.
I do not believe that you have been infected. Your negative results confirm this, especially the Duo test that you had this week, six weeks after you finished PEP, as the p24 antigen would have been picked up by then if that had been the case. Also if the symptoms experienced were linked to sero-conversion, the subsequent antibody tests would have had to be positive. Therefore we can exclude that these symptoms have anything to do with HIV. In summary I am convinced that you have not been infected and that you do not need to worry.
Best wishes,
Dr José
Thank you very much for your post and welcome to our forum.
I do not believe that you have been infected. Your negative results confirm this, especially the Duo test that you had this week, six weeks after you finished PEP, as the p24 antigen would have been picked up by then if that had been the case. Also if the symptoms experienced were linked to sero-conversion, the subsequent antibody tests would have had to be positive. Therefore we can exclude that these symptoms have anything to do with HIV. In summary I am convinced that you have not been infected and that you do not need to worry.
Best wishes,
Dr José
Many thanks for your fast answer. Since the swollen lymph gland were painfull I'm taking Ibuprofen and it is quite effective. When should I retest to have final clearance? Since it is quite stressfull what would be the fastest test method? (another RNA).
Again thanks for your very clear direction. Once i have finished this i will go for a complete check since the HIV parano may have hidden another problem.
Again thanks for your very clear direction. Once i have finished this i will go for a complete check since the HIV parano may have hidden another problem.
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