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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Taking Antibiotics Affect HIV Results?

Dear Doctor, please, 8 weeks after exposition I was on hiv dual test and test was negative - i was so happy. But doctor in Czech Republic told me, that it can be false negative - because i had an antibiotic 2 weeks before my test. I am now so depresed :-(. But you write, that antibiotic can´t affect hiv result. So i don´t know what is tru. Please can you explain it me? Many thanks A.
Tue, 2 Sep 2014
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HIV AIDS Specialist 's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.

As far as a negative HIV duo test at 8 weeks, it ruled out the possibility of HIV 1 infection conclusively as its antigen based part of the test would be able to identify the HIV 1 infection (commonest) only.
The antibody detecting part only can rule out HIV 2 infection, that would become more conclusive only by 12 weeks after the high risk contact. Antibiotics would not affect these test any way. Only ART or immunosuppressive drugs like steroids can delay the result.
Dr S.Murugan
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HIV AIDS Specialist Dr. Vasuki S's  Response
hai,
Antibiotics won't interfere with HIV test result.in dual test we test HIV antigen & antibody. Antibiotics have no role over this. so it will not create false negativity.
You have been tested with dual test 8 weeks after exposure.
better to repeat HIVantibody test at the end of 12 weeks , to get a relief from your worries.
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Can Taking Antibiotics Affect HIV Results?

Hi, Welcome to HCM. As far as a negative HIV duo test at 8 weeks, it ruled out the possibility of HIV 1 infection conclusively as its antigen based part of the test would be able to identify the HIV 1 infection (commonest) only. The antibody detecting part only can rule out HIV 2 infection, that would become more conclusive only by 12 weeks after the high risk contact. Antibiotics would not affect these test any way. Only ART or immunosuppressive drugs like steroids can delay the result. Dr S.Murugan