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Is my husband HIV positive?
Question
My 37 years old husband suffered from tuberculosis four years back and after a few weeks of medication the doctor asked for a HIV test. The test report was positive. So, he started taking medicine for HIV and took it regularly. After a month we tested his CD4 count, which was same (low). But suddenly he stopped taking the tablets for HIV (for 2-3 months) and once again he got done CD4 count, but this time the count was high. Now for the last 4 years he has not been taking any medication and he is in good health. I am worried for him. He is not ready to accept that he has HIV because of the variation in CD4 count. Please advise.
Expert Answer
L
Dr LM NathNov 19, 2009
Consultant, Community Medicine,
New Delhi
New Delhi
What tests were done initially to diagnose HIV? Was only one test done or were there more than one HIV tests carried out? While I do not have enough information for your husband's case, I must inform you that if only one test was done, there is always a chance of what is called a "false positive" report. That is why single tests should not be used to make a diagnosis and initial reports should always be confirmed by a second test. Also what exactly was the CD4 cell count? You just say it is "low".
You must keep in mind that HIV infection generally takes a long time to manifest as disease, on an average this period between infections and AIDS is almost ten years.
You must keep in mind that HIV infection generally takes a long time to manifest as disease, on an average this period between infections and AIDS is almost ten years.
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