Mono and HIV

[winloss12]

Dear Doc,
4  months ago I had a possible exposure to hiv. I waited the full three months to be tested negative via rapid test.  Two months after my intial  exposure I was diagnosed with having an ebv infection (mono).  I was at the tail end of the infection. I am wondering if having mono/ebv would of altered my antibody response to hiv. If I was infected with ebv and hiv at the same time would my body produce antibodies to both? Could having ebv/mono possibly delay hiv seroconversion? Is my three month test valid?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Sorry, this is not a debte. If you choose to believe other sites that is up to you.   HCV is not transmitted by heterosexual vaginal intercourse.  Unless you have it it is not part of the equation.  EWH

[winloss12]

I found lots of sites pointing different guidelines for possible hcv hiv coinfection.    http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Hepatitis/Current/Q191498.html

Dr. Mcgovern of the body says there are different guidelines for possible coinfection according to cdc. Why is hcv different then any other virus? I don't mean to be annoying I'm just a bit nervous and I keep coming back to this logic if one virus can cause delayed seroconversion why not another?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, HCV would not cause delayed seroconversion unless it was very, very late in the course of disease.  I don't know where you "heard" this but it is not a meaningful concern.  EWH

[winloss12]

Thanks so much for your repsonse.it was a relief. I do have an additional question. If it is possible for HCV coinfection to cause delayed seroconversion (I have read of this happening but being uncoomon), then why would other viruses such as ebv or hsv if contracted at the same time as hiv not cause delayed seroconversion?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Sorry to hear about your mono.  Your 3 month test is completely valid.  Your mononucleosis would not alter your antibody response.

Thus you can believe your test results and be confident that you do not have HIV.

Tale care. EWH