Is the appearance of black spots on the back a sign of HIV?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had four sexual encounters eight years ago, all of which were protected.

This year, I tested myself at home with a fourth-generation dual quick test kit (seven kits), and the result was negative. Two days ago, I tested myself with an immunochromatographic assay antibody test kit, and the results came out negative again. I got a box of 30 rapid test kits and tested seven of them, and all were negative.

After adding my blood drops, I added four drops of buffer solution. After 20 minutes of observation time, the C line appeared. In one test kit, I added just the buffer solution, then also the C line appeared. Now I am doubtful about the results and the test kit. Also, nothing was mentioned in the description manual. I have attached a picture of it. Please tell me what it means.

One day after taking the test, I took a CBC (complete blood count), and my lymphocytes were 25 percent, my WBC was 8400, and my neutrophils were 70 percent. Is this normal?

I heard somewhere that antibodies are not found in the last stages of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Is this correct? Will the HIV antibodies be discovered in the body after eight years of exposure? What are the terminal stage symptoms of HIV?

I have been experiencing symptoms such as leg discomfort, sore ankles, burning sensations in the legs, hands, groin area, butt, and palpitations. A year ago, I had a cough that lasted a month, so I consulted a doctor, who advised me to get an HRCT (computed tomography scan), and my score was O/25. Would a persistent cough not lead to pneumonia, which would show up on an HRCT scan if I were in the last stage?

I have some black spots on my back, and I have read that in the final stages, spots form that may never go away. Please review the attached photo and tell me whether these are those spots. If all of my third and fourth-generation quick tests are negative, what are the chances that if I test in a lab with Elisa, it will turn positive?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Firstly, there is no need to order 30 boxes of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) test kits. A control line appears when the buffer solution is added, indicating that the test strip is functioning properly.

Do not worry; your lymphocytes, neutrophils, and hemoglobin are all within range. If an HIV patient is infected, antibodies are detected after six weeks of exposure. Antibodies could also be detected in the last stage. In the last stage of HIV, chronic diarrhea, weight loss of more than 10 percent, and prolonged fever-like symptoms appear.

Chronic cough is not a sign of HIV. In the final stages of HIV, the CBC (complete blood count) report also shows low lymphocytes, neutrophils, hemoglobin, and platelet count. Pain and burning-like sensations could be due to Vitamin B12 deficiency or stress.

You can consult a physician for a thorough examination. Do not worry. The laboratory maintains the patient's privacy and does not disclose patient data. However, there is no need for testing in the laboratory. The black spot is non-significant and not related to HIV.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have read the manual (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), and you have performed the test accordingly in the correct way. The neutrophil counts up to 70 are normal. 20 to 25 percent of lymphocyte count is in the normal range, and CD4 (cluster of differentiation 4) is also within the range.

The symptoms you have mentioned are not suggestive of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). If enlarged nodes subside after a few days, they might represent reactive enlargement. No further HIV testing is required now. The results would be negative even if you take the test in the lab.

High B12 levels were due to supplements you have taken and not due to HIV. Do not be anxious. You are not in the last stage of HIV. Antibodies can be detected once they form in the body. Most patients present within a year of being exposed. However, if they were infected, the results turned out to be positive after several years.

You can consider yourself free from HIV to almost 100 percent. No need for further testing. After three months of maximum exposure, antibody tests can be considered conclusive.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.