Question 1

I'm feeling really anxious because even though my HIV test came back negative after two years, I'm still experiencing symptoms like oral thrush, tongue pain, itchy lips, and some rashes on my body. My lymph nodes are kind of swollen too. I had an RNA PCR test and it said target not detected, my CD4 count was 1197, and the antibody-antigen serology test was negative. I'm worried because I think I might be a late seroconverter. Should I wait a few more years and keep testing to be sure, or could there be another issue causing these symptoms? Please help. I'm really unsure if I could be negative or positive.

Accepted Answer

Negative HIV test after 2 years, but symptoms persist:
 
 *Interpretation:*
 
 1. HIV-negative status confirmed.
 2. CD4 count (1197) is normal.
 3. RNA PCR (viral load) undetectable.
 4. Antibodyantigen serology negative.
 
 *Symptoms may indicate:*
 
 1. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)
 2. Opportunistic infections (e.g., oral thrush)
 3. Allergic reactions
 4. Other health conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders)
 
 *Recommendations:*
 
 1. Consult an infectious disease specialist or immunologist.
 2. Rule out other infections (e.g., fungal, bacterial).
 3. Consider:
 - Antifungal treatment for oral thrush.
 - Topical creams for lip itching and rashes.
 - Pain management for tongue pain.
 4. Monitor lymph nodes and repeat testing if necessary.
 5. Address anxiety and stress through counseling or support groups.
 
 *Late seroconversion unlikely:*
 
 Given your negative HIV tests and undetectable viral load, late seroconversion is unlikely.

Question 2

I got bitten by a rat and took a tetanus shot within 5 hours. The doctor advised me to get rabies shots too, just to be cautious. Is that the right thing to do? The wound is almost healed now. What do you think?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the doctor's suggestion to take rabies injections as a precautionary measure is correct, even if the wound has almost healed, as rabies can incubate for weeks to months; taking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), including rabies  vaccination, within 24-48 hours of the bite can effectively prevent rabies infection.

Question 3

I've noticed that every time I get a fever, malaria P. vivax seems to be the diagnosis, and I'm usually treated with Resochin 250mg and Basokuine. The problem is, it seems to come back again after some time. I'm really looking to find a way to prevent this from happening permanently. Any advice on what to do?

Accepted Answer

To prevent recurrent malaria caused by P. vivax, you will need a radical cure, usually with primaquine or tafenoquine, in addition to the standard treatment. Ensure you complete the full course of treatment, and take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites and reinfection. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to ensure there is no relapse. If you have frequent relapses, it's important to discuss this with your doctor, as they may recommend further investigation or a change in treatment approach.

What is infectious and noninfectious diseases?

Infectious agents are organisms that are capable of producing infection or infectious disease. A disease which is not caused by any pathogen is considered non infectious disease.

More Infectious Disease Health Queries

I got bitten by a rat and took a tetanus shot within 5 hours. The doctor advised me to get rabies shots too, just to be cautious. Is that the right thing to do? The wound is almost healed now. What do you think?

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