Do HIV Antibodies Disappear From The Blood Circulation 15 Years After Exposure?

Posted on Mon, 24 Oct 2016

Question: Hello, my question is about HIV. I am convinced I have the disease because of the symptoms I'm having. Drastic weight loss, neuropathy, numbness, absent periods, brain fog, discoloration around eyes. I had a possible exposure 15 years ago, but I only got tested this year and the 2 tests were negative. Is it true the antibodies can disappear? which would leave the tests negative even though a person could have the virus. Could the test have been negative because of the weight loss? I'm trying to get t-cell test done, but g.p. Wont because antibody test negative

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV 1 and 2 infection. Need no further testing.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
It is not true that HIV antibodies disappear from circulation after 15 years. Many cases are diagnosed after 15 years only (after the appearance of symptoms) with HIV antibody tests. Disappearance of antibodies could be a rare possibility in an extreme advanced condition of AIDS almost in death bed. That too very rarely and not with all.
Two negative HIV test clearly ruled out HIV in you. Your symptoms are not at all related to HIV. Consult a physician and get well soon.
Dr S.Murugan

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