Ongoing Worry Regarding Potential HIV-2 Infection
Greetings, I'm a 40-year-old male who was once in great health. Approximately twenty-eight months ago, I had a sexual interaction with an African dancer while in Montreal, Canada. Within a week of that encounter, I began to notice several peculiar symptoms occurring simultaneously: * severe pain in my left groin * balanitis * debilitating fatigue * a feeling of pressure in my throat * excessive nighttime thirst Since that incident, my overall health has taken a significant downturn. I've experienced multiple bouts of pneumonia, shingles, and various other complications. I've seen a variety of healthcare practitioners, including general doctors, urologists, radiologists, pulmonologists, and infectious disease experts. While I'm generally not one to frequently seek medical help, I have been enduring these ongoing and puzzling symptoms for over two years now. In recent months, I have been particularly troubled by the following symptoms: * intermittent diarrhea * heavy sweating during exercise * evening fatigue * persistent discomfort in the left groin * pressure sensation beneath the tongue * pain in the glands located under the jaw * wounds that require an extended period to heal Regarding testing, I've participated in multiple HIV screenings: * 4th-generation tests (using Abbott Architect) up to 26 months post-exposure, * 3rd-generation tests (INSTI) up to 21 months, * HIV-1 and HIV-2 PCR testing at 26 months (not certain about the specific type of PCR performed, possibly RNA). All other sexually transmitted infection tests returned negative results. My latest immunological test results (taken at 27 months) revealed: * a CD4/CD8 ratio of 1.0 * neutrophil/white blood cell percentage at 73.22% * lymphocyte/white blood cell percentage at 16.33% I find myself in a complete state of confusion. I have a suspicion of being infected with HIV-2 due to the onset of my health issues right after that encounter, as these symptoms align with potential HIV-2 infection. Although I understand that HIV-2 is harder to detect, my testing has been spread out over a significant timeframe. Does anyone have any insights or suggestions to consider in this situation? Thank you for your assistance.
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 10:10:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are facing a complex and challenging health situation, and I understand your concerns regarding a potential HIV-2 infection and the ongoing symptoms you’re experiencing. While you have undergone extensive testing and received negative results, your symptoms and their persistence are understandably troubling.
Key Points:
- Testing for HIV: Your comprehensive HIV testing using multiple methods over a long period has shown negative results for both HIV-1 and HIV-2.
- Possible Symptoms: The symptoms you’ve described can arise from various causes, not just HIV.
- Next Steps: Focus on a structured approach to symptom management and thorough evaluations for potential other underlying conditions.
Explanation:
HIV-2 can indeed be more challenging to detect, but with multiple 4th and 3rd generation tests, along with PCR tests, the chances of a false negative result over that time frame are quite low. Your symptoms such as fatigue, wounds that heal slowly, and intense still may suggest other underlying issues, such as autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, or perhaps a different viral infection.
Specific, Prioritized Next Steps:
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Consult with a Specialist: Given your complex history, consider requesting a further evaluation from an infectious disease specialist focused on persistent infections or complex multi-system diseases. Providing your current testing records will help them assess your situation accurately.
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Comprehensive Blood Work: Ask for a thorough panel of blood tests, including:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
- Immunological tests (including tests for autoimmune markers)
- Additional viral load tests if necessary
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Symptom Management:
- Keep a detailed symptom diary noting when symptoms occur, their duration, and factors that worsen or alleviate them. This can aid your healthcare provider in identifying patterns or triggers.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support overall health.
- Regularly engage in low-impact exercise, focusing on stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation, which might help reduce fatigue and improve your overall wellness.
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Mental Health Support: Given the toll this situation is having on your emotional well-being, consider seeking support from a counselor or therapist who specializes in chronic health conditions.
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Follow-Up Testing: Depending on your ongoing symptoms and any new developments, continuous follow-up with healthcare practitioners can help guide any necessary re-testing for infections like HIV as well as other causes that might go undetected.
Reassurance:
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed given your health struggles, but you are taking a proactive step by seeking insights. Continue to communicate openly with your healthcare team about your symptoms and concerns, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your health. Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and solutions are available to improve your quality of life. Please feel free to share updates or further questions as you navigate this process.
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