Hello im a healthcare worker that had an exposure to blood 5 months ago, i got a unknown status patients blood in my eyes and mouth. I have had swollen lymph nodes and some headaches for almost 2 months now, i also have itchy skin but no rash. I got tested right after the exposure, had an anti body test at 3 months that was negative, had a dna PCR at 4 months with another antibody test both were negative, and i did another antibody test at 5 months that was negative. I have two questions. Is it possible that my chewing tobacco habit could possibly cause me to be immunocompromised so i'm not developing antibody's, and is it possible i have HIV-2 and they are only testing for HIV 1? I would really appreciate and answer cause i'm driving myself crazy trying to self diagnose and i have trouble believing my negatives at five months. Thank you and i will make a donation to your foundation, there is lots of great information here thank you.

Hello,

1. No. Chewing tobacco will not affect HIV test results. It may well kill you as a consequence of tongue, lip or throat cancer, but it won't invalidate your HIV test results.

2. HIV-2 is extremely rare outside endemic areas (West Africa). You can read more about this topic in the archives. Many HIV-antibody tests now routinely screen for HIV-2. Check to see what type of testing you had performed. HIV-2 screening is readily available if you feel you may have had an exposure.

Thanks for your support of The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation (www.concertedeffort.org). It's warmly appreciated.

I would consider the testing you've had to date to be definitive and conclusive. HIV is not your problem. No way. No how.

Dr. Bob