Question 1

I'm getting a bit worried because a couple of months back, a street dog tried to bite me but didn't really get a good grip. It left a small wound on my thigh just with one of its teeth, and I cleaned it up with Dettol right afterward. It's been over two months now, and its almost healed  there's just a little dark spot left. Everything seemed fine, but now Im starting to get anxious about whether I could've picked up any infections or viruses from it. I see the same dog around regularly, so I can identify it if that helps. What should I do to check if Im all clear from any infections or viruses from the encounter?

Accepted Answer

Fever Persisting Despite Treatment

_Test results interpretation:_

1. _Initial tests (2132016)_:
    - Typhoid rapid test: Positive (IgM antibodies), indicating recent typhoid infection.
    - Negative results for malaria and microfilariae.
2. _Follow-up tests (2552016)_:
    - Typhoid rapid test: Negative (IgM and IgG antibodies), suggesting the infection has been cleared.

_Persisting fever:_

1. _Possible causes_:
    - Relapse or re-infection with typhoid
    - Other underlying infections (e.g., urinary tract infection, pneumonia)
    - Inflammatory or autoimmune conditions
    - Medication side effects
2. _Additional tests recommended_:
    - Blood cultures to rule out ongoing bacterial infections
    - Complete Blood Count (CBC) to assess for signs of infection or inflammation
    - Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) or C-Reactive Protein (CRP) to evaluate for inflammatory conditions
    - Urine analysis and culture to rule out urinary tract infections
3. _Fever type:_
    - The persistent fever could be a low-grade fever, which is a common symptom of various conditions.

Question 2

I'm really worried because I had an HIV ELISA test for my visa, and the result was 0.14, which I know is negative. But why didn't it come out as 0? Is it even possible for someone to actually get a 0 on their HIV ELISA test?

Accepted Answer

In HIV ELISA testing, a result of 0 does not typically occur as it indicates no presence of antibodies at all, which is rare. A result of 0.14 is considered negative for HIV, as it is below the cutoff value for a positive result. This means that there were no significant levels of HIV antibodies detected in your blood sample. It is important to continue practicing safe sex and regular testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Question 3

Gosh, Im feeling a bit anxious and really need some clarity. I did an HIV test using Elisa two years after potentially being exposed, and the result was 0.32. Earlier, I also had a rapid antigen test which was non-reactive. Do these results mean Im in the clear, or should I be worried?

Accepted Answer

negative

Yes there is no perticular time limit,better to get vaccinated as soon as possible

More Infectious Disease Health Queries

I'm really worried because I had an HIV ELISA test for my visa, and the result was 0.14, which I know is negative. But why didn't it come out as 0? Is it even possible for someone to actually get a 0 on their HIV ELISA test?

Gosh, Im feeling a bit anxious and really need some clarity. I did an HIV test using Elisa two years after potentially being exposed, and the result was 0.32. Earlier, I also had a rapid antigen test which was non-reactive. Do these results mean Im in the clear, or should I be worried?

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