What Causes Delayed HIV Seroconversion?

Posted on Sat, 21 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 21 Nov 2015 Answered on

Tue, 8 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Does anything cause delayed HIV seroconversion?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for this query.

There is nothing that can cause a delayed HIV sero-conversion. This often and always happens if you were contaminated. There is no reason to be scared about such a thing as many might be tempted toe think there is still a lingering risk of sero-conversion several months after exposure.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. If you have any further concerns, I am happy to address them.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (6 minutes later)

I have tested out to 15 months. I went to my local sexual health clinic two weeks ago and she ran a full STI check. Including HIV. All negative. However she never tested for Hepatitis B or C. I have read things about delayed seroconversion and Hepatitis C.

I had unprotected intercourse with a guy 16 months ago. Anal and Vaginal, I know it was stupid, I don't know what went through my mind. I have tested five times all past 12 months and I had my last test at clinic two weeks ago.

Could clinic results he wrong? Could I have Hep B or C? Could these delay seroconversion? If I had Hepatitis C or B would I need further testing for HIV?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There is no delayed seroconversion!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this follow up.

These several tests cannot be negative and yet signify something else. If it were a false negative test, you would have for sure had a positive result at least one of these times. With negative results, there is nothing else to be worried about. Hepatitis cannot be positive several months after the exposure unless you have not been tested before.

I wish you well and suggest you stay optimistic and stop thinking about the worst ever. Happy for further exchanges if you deem them necessary!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (4 minutes later)

I have never tested for Hepatitis B or C.

The fear of having it even though I have tested negative several times is consumating me.

I can't stand it. I want to live my life.

Should I get tested for Hep C and B? What do you mean by contaminated?

I had Tonsilitis about a month ago. I thought this could be related to HIV at 14 months post exposure?

Help me.

Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
They are unrelated!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

These stuffs are really not typical of HIV. 5tests negative 14months after exposure are certain and there is no need for further questioning of the validity of this result. The consistency is enough. Please, try not to keep thinking of what doesn't rally exists.

I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar