PEP & Antibodies

[phone12345]

Does Post-Exposure Prophylaxis delay any of the following test:

1. Antibodies
2. Antigen

Reason I ask is, I just got off PEP about two weeks ago and it's been 7 weeks since my "risky" exposure. If I went for an ELISA test today, would it be accurate? I know some people say 4-6 weeks but with PEP is that delayed?

Also, the antigen test (Quant PCR), is there any effect on those results because of the PEP?

Once last question...are symptoms delayed because of PEP. Reason I ask is that now, two weeks after PEP and 7 after exposure, I'm experiencing diarrhea and sometimes fatigue.

Thanks!!

[LIZZIE LOU]

this post is from 2007

[desolation]

Hi buddy.
You' r in the same situation as mine. I had test at 2 ­­­­­­­­­weeks after my last dose of PEP. I have no idea ho­ reliable is that test.

[kekelow]

83, it's 13-weeks after you finish PEP.Peace.

[phone12345]

What would you say would be the conclusive window period after taking PEP? 12 weeks? 6 months?

Thanks

[strata]

PEP is the use of antiretrovirals (ARVs, the same meds precribed to HIV+ patients) to prevent infection following a risky exposure. These drugs combat viral replication, so we'd expect a PCR (viral load) test to come back negative/undetectable EVEN IF HIV infection were able to take hold despite the meds.

Antibody production is a different matter. There have been few studies of PEP on antibody production.

THEORETICAL:

If the HIV infection becomes established in the first few days following exposure despite PEP, SOME experts theorize that the suppression of the viral load by the ARVs could delay the body's natural immune response. Other experts disagree and think there would be little/no suppressive effect on antibody production. The body does not produce antibodies in a 1:1 ratio to pathogens (i.e., the body does NOT say to itself, "Oh, there's only 200 viruses/ml3, so I guess I'll just make 200 antibodies/ml3, so I don't have to work as hard...").

DOCUMENTED:

(I posted several links on this recently). The only cases of DELAYED seroconversion associated with the use of PEP ALSO involve co-infection with HCV (there seems to be a complex interaction between the viruses). In an animal study of PEP, one monkey was reported to have delayed seroconversion.

These results are FAR from conclusive, but, for the time being, the recommendation is follow-up testing through 6 months post exposure. HOWEVER, negative results at 6 weeks and 3 months are HIGHLY reassuring.

[sparkeler]

I meant to say, I think the window period extends.  

[sparkeler]

I do believe symptoms & hiv tests can be delayed due to PEP.  I think the window period exeends.