Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I am a 39 y.o. white female, married for 15 years. My spouse has had one indiscretion 13yrs ago, and I had one indiscretion within the last two years. I am currently awaiting the results of the ELISA and WB, however, I have also read alot over the internet that these tests can give false readings: i.e., viral loads - there are numerous scientists that state that these tests are not as accurate as everyone seems to believe. So far, it states that I have a VL of 92,000 and a CD4+ of 245. I also have had EBV, Hepatits B, Herpes Simplex (just cold sores since forever) HPV and unfortunately multiple pregnancies. Never used needles. First question, how can my spouse and my "friend" BOTH BE NEGATIVE??; Second question, according to numerous biochemists, Emeritus professors, etc., state that the above viruses can give a false postive?? If I test negative for the p24 antigen, do I even really have the virus, or is it possible that I have built up antibodies due to having EBV in the past? How can I put my trust in tests that are not 100% accurate?? You "probably" have it just isn't good enough.
I truly, truly hope to hear from you. Thank you for your time.
Ross Slotten, M.D.
Klein and Slotten Medical Associates
Private Practice in Family Medicine
With a special interest in HIV disease
You state that you have an HIV viral load of 92,000 and a CD4 count of 245; you're still waiting for the results of the standard HIV antibody tests, the ELISA and Western Blot. You also state that you and your spouse have each had a single sexual indiscretion during the fifteen years of your marriage; yet your husband is HIV negative as is your single other sexual partner. I will guess that your ELISA and WB tests will be positive, confirming that you have been infected with HIV. If so, you no doubt acquired that infection before your marriage. How is not clear, since you do not mention any other risk factors in your letter. The three most likely routes of infection are sexual contact with an HIV infected partner, sharing of needles with an HIV-infected person during the use of IV drugs, or a blood transfusion with blood contaminated with HIV. There is a slim chance that your blood sample was mislabeled and that you were given someone else's result. However, if the above results are indeed yours, they're unlikely to be mistaken-the number's too high. But we won't know until you get the results of your ELISA and Western Blot tests.
Sincerely,
Ross Slotten, M.D.
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