Could this be delayed seroconversion?

[hulk99]

I have tested HIV and Hep C antibody negative out to 9 months after a high risk incident (unprotected sex). I have had elevated liver enzymes for over 5 months, intense upper abdominal pains, sore hands and feet, stiff muscles and joints, headaches, major fatigue, chills. My urine smells and is darker in color. I have every classic symptom of Hep C but have had a negative antibody test out to 9 months after my only possible risk. I have also tested negative repeatedly for Hep B and all other STD's. I am afraid that I was co infected with HIV and Hep C at the same time and this is causing a delay in antibody detection for both viruses. I do not trust my test results to be valid and need your opinion on the matter.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

That is not the case.  There are no data to suggest that dual infection delays seroconversion.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to this Forum.  I have reviewed your other posts, both on the HIV and Hepatitis C community sites and endorse all that they have said.  The tests for each of these infections are VERY good and while there is a miniscule chance of getting false negative result when tested once, this is simply not a realistic possibility following repeated tests as you have had.  It is (past) time for you to believe the tests- that is what they are for.  Einstein said that a definition of insanity is to do the same thing repeatedly expecting different results.

Furthermore, the idea of delayed seroconversion is an urban myth that has no basis in reality.  

If you have symptoms and abnormal tests, you should address them with someone who can help to sort this out with further tests, either a general internist or gastroenterologist is what I would suggest.  there are many potential causes of increased liver enzymes.  EWH

[hulk99]

Can you get a false negative HIV PCR DNA test at 10 months? Is this test affective or accurate that long after a risk incident or is it only accurate at the beginning ?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Correct.  We do not debate other web sites on this site.  I disagree with your statement that hepatitis C would delay your HIV serovconversion in the manner described.  You'll have to dcecide who you want to believe.  My advice would be to believe your tests. EWH

[hulk99]

My ALT has been over 80 for 6 months, I have no appetite, headaches, upper right abdominal pains, nausea, itchy skin, low fever. I have every possible Hep C symptom, I do believe that co infection at the same time can cause delayed antibody response for both viruses. If I have Hep C after testing negative for 10 months the only thing that could cause that delay is HIV. The Body says this is possible but you seem to refute that?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You have repeate what I said above accurately.  EWH  

[potter800]

Hello.I think you are unnecessarily anxious about your situation.

Importantly,Dr Hook's advice is sound and there is no rethinking what he has said to already.You do not have hiv,as your test results indicateDelayed seroconversion is a thing of hiv's distant past.Live your life,my friend.

Best regards.

[hulk99]

So the examples of delayed seroconversion because of accute hep c duel infection with HIV mentioned on the website "The Body" are not accurate? They seem to imply that this is rare but can happen if suffering from Acute Hep C infection.

[hulk99]

Thank you Doctor, I appreciate your response. I had heard that simultaneous infection of both viruses could delay the testing period up to a year but if this is not the case I will move on.