Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I have found that there are 3 types of HIV viruses, is this right?
There are only "anti HIV 1" and "anti HIV 2 negative" on my test result. What about anti HIV 3? Should I ask for further advanced test? Is it commercially available for labs to obtain?
Also, how fast is the index of CD4/CD8 turning to 1 or less after exposure of HIV? Is it possible to have index= 2 of 7 month after HIV exposure ?
Thank you very much in advance. I really appreciate your effort to inform people troubled with HIV asscociated problems.
The worldwide HIV pandemic is almost entirely composed of HIV 1. HIV 2 is much less common, and typically found in people from Central West Africa, i.e., Senegal to Nigeria. I am not sure where you are seeing refernces to "HIV 3."
If you have tested negative for HIV 1 and HIV 2, you do not have HIV infection.
The rate of progression of HIV infection may vary considerably from patient to patient, but the time from infection to a CD4 count of 200, where "AIDS" is diagnosed, and symptoms may occur is typically about seven years, though it may be a longer or shorter time period.
While it is possible to have very low T cell counts soon after HIV infection, this would typically be seen a few weeks after exposure, and the T cell numbers tend to rise by seven months.
I hope this helps.
Further explanantion of HIV 3 can be found in the following Ask the Doc Q&A: http://www.aegis.org/askdoc/ASKD040906.html
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, John M. Lloyd Foundation, Roche and Trimeris, the National Library of Medicine, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.