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Is Persistent Weight Loss With Inflammation Of The Bowel Indicative Of HIV?

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Posted on Wed, 27 Dec 2023
Question: My medical history is outlined in my profile with no significant health issues prior to 2016 except for an appendectomy in 2006. I see my family doctor twice a year with the only issue being elevated cholesterol but controlled with a statin and diet. In October 2016, I became ill with an as yet to be identified "infection". Over a period of six to eight weeks, I presented with symptoms progressing from chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain with distention to difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. By December 2016, I developed a rash intermittently over my chest, abdomin, and groin. From October 2016 to February 2017, I suffered rapid weight loss dropping from 172lbs (16% body fat) to 118lbs (4% body fat). I was treated with Flagyl for 21 days over November and December 2016 with no improvement at all.

My primary care physcian coordinated visits to a gastroentrologist and a pulmonologist but both were unable to identify the root cause of my illness. My IgE levels were elevated while my IgG levels were depressed. This remains the case more than a year later with my latest lab results January 2018. I have argued that there must be a parasitic infection by helminths but no organism has been identified. My condition was so desperate that I contacted public health in my state and they reviewed my case. The CDC arranged for treatment within 48 hours of my review at XXXX Hospital in XXXXXXX in February 2017. I was treated with ivermectin and my condition improved but I have never fully recovered. In the process my primary care physcian dropped me as a patient for asking public health for a review of my case.

I do not know how to proceed as no doctor will treat this as a helminthic infection but gives up when Ova & Parasite tests return negative. Yet MRIs as late as October 2017 show moderate inflammation of the small bowel in the upper and lower right quadrants. Tests for auto immune disorders, Crohn's disease, Celiac disease, IBS, gluten allergy, and cancer are all negative. I was tested for Strongyloids and was negative. What should I do or how should I proceed? Is there a center in the US you'd recommend? I am located in South XXXXXXX and my options are very limited here.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:

I suggest to do a 4th generation HIV test.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I have read carefully your history and your lab result and I think that based on these symptoms firts you should do a 4 th generation HIV test in order to exclude a HIV infection.

Furthermore, I need to know more about your sexual history (risky behaviour if you had) in order to define better the reasons. Drink cleaner water to avoid GI infections.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Monika Dede, Infectious Diseases Specialist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Monika Dede

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1005 Questions

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Is Persistent Weight Loss With Inflammation Of The Bowel Indicative Of HIV?

Brief Answer: I suggest to do a 4th generation HIV test. Detailed Answer: Hello, I have read carefully your history and your lab result and I think that based on these symptoms firts you should do a 4 th generation HIV test in order to exclude a HIV infection. Furthermore, I need to know more about your sexual history (risky behaviour if you had) in order to define better the reasons. Drink cleaner water to avoid GI infections. Hope I have answered your query. Take care Regards, Dr Monika Dede, Infectious Diseases Specialist