Seek Advice

[zack000]

Hi Doc, my intention is to post a status update and to seek advice. I have posted a topic back in Jan 2011 (titled "Worried Sick") but the topic was closed, hence this new topic. I did not copy my previous post as I do not want to clutter this posting. Appreciate if you could refer to my past post to understand my background. My status to-date,

4th day post-exposure - Test negative for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea but tested positive for Beta-haemolytic Streptococcus Gp B (short form "Strep Gp B"). I was given a 7-day antibiotics treatment (think it was amino--, sorry couldn't the exact name).

32th day post-exposure - Did a HIV Rapid Test (3rd Gen) and was negative. I was also tested negative for HBs Antigen, HAV IgG Antibody, HCV IgG Antibody, VDRL, Herpes Type I IgG, Herpes Type II IgG. HOWEVER, I was tested positive for Strep Gp B again. I was given a 14-day antibiotics treatment (same antibiotics as above).

95th day post-exposure - I went for a HIV Rapid Test (3rd Gen) and was negative. Decided to do the above STDs test, incl the swab test, all over again just to get a peace of mind.

Based on the above, my queries:

1) Do I still require any more further testing for HIV? I read some online articles that in some cases, it can take up to 6 months for the HIV test to be accurate.

2) My doctor offered me the choice of either Rapid test or ELISA test but I choose the rapid test as I can get the results faster. Between the rapid test and the ELISA test, which one is more accurate?

3) While I am waiting for my 3rd swab test currently, I have a feeling that this Strep Gp B is still in my body.
a) Is this bacteria very hard to cure in reality?
b) Is this bacteria considered a form of STD?
c) Can you offer me any advice on how to get rid of this bacteria once and for all?

4) Based on the tests I have done, did I miss out any test which you feel I should have done?

Really appreciate your advice.

Regards,
Zack

[Dr Sean Cummings]

Hello

The comment by Lovedlife regarding testing is inaccurate, ill-informed and quite simply wrong. You do not need to test again at 6 months. This is complete and utter rubbish.

With ref to your further questions:-


1) Yes, the doctor prescribed the antibiotics according to the test, In your opinion, what are the possible reasons why the Strep Gp B remains despite taking the antibiotics?

Any number of reasons - 1) re-infection 2) wrong antibiotics 3) bad luck - doesn't of itself mean anything at all.

2) Besides sex, is there anything I shouldn't do (eg masturbation) until the Strep Gp B is completely eradicated?

No - carry on with life as normal. The usual treatment for strep b is penicillin V = an old fashioned and highly effective remedy.


3) I took a look at the test kit for the HIV rapid test and the test kit itself looks very simple to me, akin to a pregnancy test kit. Is there any reason that the test kit may give false negative results? How reliable is the test kit itself, assuming that it has not expired?

No idea - you have not specified the test kit - but I would have faith in your doctor who sounds on the ball.

I would repeat though that assuming that you have had an appropriate test then you are fine. In the presence of an appropriate test the notion that you should test again at 6 months "just to be sure" is utter rubbish - total ignorant or fear mongering nonsense.

Best wishes, Sean

Thanks

Regards,
Zack

[zack000]

Any doctor can assist in my Apr 06 queries above?

Thanks

Regards,
Zack

[LovedLife]

Good Luck Zack, The Doc is right, but i would suggest one more HIV test at 6 months.
Your pretty surely negative, but there is as very slight chance of you seroconverting later. Finding out now vs. later makes all the difference in staying healthy. Not trying to scare you bud, but Please don't think with your penis next time, use protection. You don't want to be in this boat. The booty ain't worth it!

[zack000]

Thanks for your responses, Dr José. Just a few follow-up questions:

1) Yes, the doctor prescribed the antibiotics according to the test, In your opinion, what are the possible reasons why the Strep Gp B remains despite taking the antibiotics?

2) Besides sex, is there anything I shouldn't do (eg masturbation) until the Strep Gp B is completely eradicated?

3) I took a look at the test kit for the HIV rapid test and the test kit itself looks very simple to me, akin to a pregnancy test kit. Is there any reason that the test kit may give false negative results? How reliable is the test kit itself, assuming that it has not expired?

Thanks

Regards,
Zack

[Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia, MD, MRCGP, PhD]

Hello,
Thank you very much for your post.
I am going to answer each of your questions here below.  I will write my answers in capitals:
1) Do I still require any more further testing for HIV? I read some online articles that in some cases, it can take up to 6 months for the HIV test to be accurate.

NO, THERE IS NO NEED TO HAVE ANY FURTHER HIV TESTS.  YOUR TEST RESULT IS FINAL AND CONCLUSIVE AT 95 DAYS.  YOU ARE DEFINITELY HIV NEGATIVE

2) My doctor offered me the choice of either Rapid test or ELISA test but I choose the rapid test as I can get the results faster. Between the rapid test and the ELISA test, which one is more accurate?

THEY ARE VERY SIMILAR AND THEIR RELIABILITY IS PRACTICALLY THE SAME.

3) While I am waiting for my 3rd swab test currently, I have a feeling that this Strep Gp B is still in my body.
a) Is this bacteria very hard to cure in reality? NOT AT ALL
b) Is this bacteria considered a form of STD? NOT STRICTLY AS IT WOULD NORMALLY CAUSE THROAT INFECTIONS.  HOWEVER IT CAN BE TRANSMITTED SEXUALLY.
c) Can you offer me any advice on how to get rid of this bacteria once and for all?

IF THE INITIAL MICROBIOLOGICAL TEST INCLUDED ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY, IT SHOULD BE TREATED WITH ONE OF THE ANTIBIOTICS TO WHICH THE BACTERIA IS SENSITIVE TO.  THAT SHOULD CLEAR IT IN ALL CASES.

4) Based on the tests I have done, did I miss out any test which you feel I should have done?

I BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE HAD A VERY COMPREHESIVE SEXUAL HEALTH CHECK-UP AND THERE IS NO NEED FOR YOU TO HAVE ANY FURTHER TESTS.

Best wishes,

Dr José