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Need HIV 2 testing
#96188 - 04/21/04 04:43 PM
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I have been tested over the last couple of years with the ELISA test. A three times with the Home Test approved by the FDA and once at a private test facility. All tests have been negative and I assume that these tests are just for HIV 1 with little chance of detecting HIV 2. I have had some strange things happening with me lately. One of them are some lesions appearing on my leg and now possibly on my upper body. I have had one of them biopsied and they are not KS but do exhibit characteristics of a opportunistic infection. I also got a case of Bronchitis that I never had any problems with before along with other strange skin and sinus problems. I would like to be tested for HIV 2 but can not find anyone to do the testing. The state run facilities look at me like I'm crazy and some HIV help lines that I used don't even know that there is a strain HIV 2. I've had a couple of CBC's done and the doctors say that everything is normal but I don't think they are looking at it as a possible HIV infection. Can you help me to ask the right questions of my doctors and/or better yet direct me to a test for HIV 2 or a blood test that would show a possible infection?? I can not stop worrying about it and driving my self insane.
Thanks,
Needing mental relief and knowledge!!
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Hiv 2 is very rare in the U.S. I do not know where you are wrting from. Did you know that 5% of the population do not make antibodies to hiv? That means that you can still have it and test negative and it does not have to be hiv2.
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UnderTheWindow
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Unregistered
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Hi there,
Check the following link out:
http://www.fda.gov/cber/products/testkits.htm
Contact the corresponding vendor regarding as to where you can take the test you mentioned.
Peace !
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J91
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Newbie
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Reged: 04/16/04
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Posts: 9
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Loc: Wyoming
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Where did you get the information that 5% of the population does not make antibodies? I'm sure there are a few people out there who don't, but I wouldn't use the 5% without quite a lot of zeros in front of it as in 0.000005%
Can any experts here confirm/deny my thoughts? If the amount was really that high I think our standard HIV tests would look for the virus and not the antibodies.
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We All Fall Down- It's getting back up that really counts
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I am also curious about HIV2. Could it be possible that the ELISA would miss such an infection? I tried calling around to various 1-800 numbers . . . but no one seems to be able to speak on the topic with any authority whatsoever.
I've heard mixed statistics -- 79 cases since 1987 in the US; but I've also heard of over 200 cases of HIV2 in NYC alone!!! Does anyone have their facts straight!!!
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All still interested,
I'll try some of those sites. I found out that Quest Diagnostics has a test but you have to have a doctor request to get one. I'll have my doctor order one if I can't get one done privately.
I agree on the HIV2 question. No one seems to know much except there's alot in South Africa. If it takes a ten year incubation time as they say then a person can do alot of damage in that time. The first cases showed up in late eighties and early 90's and I don't see anything on the internet much newer that that and that was 10 to 15 years ago.
It's the not knowing thats killing me and maybe the damage I could have done!!
Thanks for all the replies!!
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Usually HIV-I testing performed these days can pick up most of the variants out there. You might ask which generation HIV assay kit that they are using. HIV-II is usually picked up 60-70% of the time from an HIV-I test. You may have these complications due to some other illness. HIV-II is very rare in the US. Most HIV-II cases are confined to New York and other eastern states. As you may know, HIV-II is prevalent in S. African nations. Have you had unprotected sex from someone directly from S. Africa? Remember that HIV-I tests can pick up HIV-II 60-70% of the time. My guess is that all this worrying is just making you sick. Ask a clinician to do a special screening for just HIV-II if this will make you feel better. Many places will do HIV-II screens. US blood banks have been screening for both HIV-I and HIV-II since HIV-II was found in New York from an African born native. It is here but is very unlikely that you have HIV-II. HIV-I test will usually pick up HIV-II. Usually if you do have HIV-II infection, your western blot test will be indeterminate. Good luck to you friend!
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Thanks again for the post,
I haven't had and relationships with anyone from Africa but was having unprotected sex with what I found out later was a very promiscuous girl from Canada a little over ten years ago. I know very stupid and now I pay with much worry and mental anguish. Anywhichway I appreciate all the replies and when I get off of this road trip will ask my dermatologist to request the Quest Diagontics test the tests for both strains.
For some reason these posts are comforting.
Thanks again to all
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All if any still interested,
I got the Quest Diagnostic test for HIV 1 and 2 and both turned up negative. Whatever the lesions on the leg are are another chapter but I know have piece of mind that my family and any previous encounters are safe. Thanks again to all that responded. It was a comfort during a stressful time.
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