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HIV-TYPE 2
#2071 - 04/04/00 02:09 PM
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HIV-TYPE 2: I would like to hear from anyone who has tested
positive for HIV-2. Currently the U.S. only tests for HIV-1. But
now I have a friend with the type 2 strain (a weaker strain most
common in W. Africa), and we are having a difficult time finding
any information about this strain. It's scarey to think how many
people out there may have type 2 and not even know it. My friend
tested negative 5 times for HIV-1, and then they tested for type
2 and he was positive. Any information would be appreciated.
Thank you
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Hello, my partner is from West Africa and he was diagnosed with
HIV-II. Our experience is similar to yours - we have been unable
to find clear information that is specific to HIV-II. When I
asked a health professional where to find this information, he
answered that, basically, very little information exists because
all the research dollars don't find their way to places such as
West Africa. This is disheartening, frightening and disgusting
news for us. How about we both do our best to look for
information and keep in touch?
Yours,
S
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'S',
Thank You for responding! Yes, it is discouraging and disgusting
that so little research has been done on HIV-II and in West
Africa. My thought is that if the disease is originating in
Africa, or more prevalent in Africa, then the research should
start there.
I do know that it is a weaker strain of HIV that takes longer (20
years) to progress, although it still results in AIDS over time.
I am assuming that the same medication would be taken for this as
for HIV-I (is your partner on any meds?)
What makes me the most angry is that the doctor originally said
that there was no worry because this was only connected to W.
Africa. Well, if a middle class person such as my partner (who
has no connection to Africa or to IV drugs) can be infected, that
so can anyone else in the US or other countries. It is also
scarey that we thought we were fine since we have both tested
negative numerous times for HIV-I. I didn't know that the HIV
test didn't test for all types of HIV. I wonder how many other
people are out there spreading this strain without even knowing
it. My partner is going to the CDC (Center for Disease control)-
any information I get I will forward to you.
Hang in there and thank you again for responding. Yes, I will
keep in touch. Please feel free to email me.
-Lydia
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Hi
Many of us are concerned and interested in HIV II. I am amazed that your friend decided to GET tested for that, if there was no W. African connection. Were there unique symptoms, or what?
My exposure was in North Africa; I explained my travel history to the doc who tested me, but was told nothing about the subtypes/strains. I learned about them many months later. At the time, I was negative at 22 weeks, and I haven't yet gotten the nerve to go back for more testing.
Thanks for your stories, and I hope you will keep us informed.
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