Symptoms and test Results

[raccoon47]

Hi Doctor,  I have been experiencing oral thrush symptoms since the fourth week of September, 2008.  I have been to a PA, a Family Practice Physician and a dentist.  I have been prescribed Nystatin rinse with little or no effect, and Diflucan 200mg first day and 100mg for six following days.  All no resolution. I have had three HIV tests August 11, 2008, August 29, 2008 and October 10, 2008 all negative. I did take a course of antibiotics  for three weeks in mid-August to early September including Doxycycline.  Two questions, is it typical for oral candidiasis to be tough to clear up?  Second, if I tested negative for HIV after oral thrush appeared, do I need to test again?  Thank You

[Vance2335]

A 3 month test would give you a conclusive result.

[raccoon47]

Thanks for your response.  My last known risk was in May of 2008, unprotected vaginal sex with CSW.  I did take a week dose of Doxycycline in the last week of August, 2008.  Would this cause oral thrush?  Again, if I tested negative in the presence of of oral thrush symptom, it would be unrelated to HIV?  Thanks for your response.

[JeanClaude]

What was your risk ? When was your last risk? Generally, if the Diflucan or Nystatin does NOT work on your thrush, it's NOT thrush. Oral thrush is fairly common in many HIV negative individuals. Thrush does NOT equal HIV. HIV can NOT be diagnosed by ANY symptoms or lack of. You need to test 3 months after your LAST possible exposure ( unprotected anal/vaginal sex, IV drug use). Antibiotics are known to worsen oral thrush.

-JC-