Aa
new strain
hello doctor, just a quick question. ive read in the news recently that a new aggresive strain of hiv has been discovered name A3/02. here is the link.http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20131203/new-hiv-strain-may-move-to-aids-more-quickly-study
my question is does the current elisa test also detect this new strain? also if the testing window frame remains the same at 3 months, even with this new strain?
my question is does the current elisa test also detect this new strain? also if the testing window frame remains the same at 3 months, even with this new strain?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
As i told you before, "current tests for HIV would detect this "new strain"." Not sure why you think the answer should be repeated. Your test proves you did not get HIV. EWH
thank your for your response doctor, can i clarify one last thing? does this new strains or other subtypes of hiv produce the same antibody use to be detected by the elisa antibody test?
i had a 9 month elisa antibody blood test after a unprotected vaginal exposue (i am a male) can i consider that conclusive?
i had a 9 month elisa antibody blood test after a unprotected vaginal exposue (i am a male) can i consider that conclusive?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the Forum. I'll be glad to provide some perspective. First and in answer to your question, the answer is yes, current tests for HIV would detect this "new strain".
Second, and in terms of perspective, it is important to understand that the rate at which HIV infection progresses depends on MANY factors including the genetic makeup of the infected person, the nature of the virus, the presence or absence of treatment and many other variables. Scientists (and the journals they publish in) like to bring attention to their work and as a result, all too often make sensationalistic claims based on early research data which may or may not be correct but do make persons with and at risk for infection quite nervous. This is an example of this sort of event.
Please do not worry about reports of so-called "new strains" of HIV, such information may or may not be correct and whether it is or not, does not change the risk factors for infection, how to diagnose the infection, or what to do about it for persons who are infected.
I hope this comment is helpful top you. Please do not worry. EWH
Second, and in terms of perspective, it is important to understand that the rate at which HIV infection progresses depends on MANY factors including the genetic makeup of the infected person, the nature of the virus, the presence or absence of treatment and many other variables. Scientists (and the journals they publish in) like to bring attention to their work and as a result, all too often make sensationalistic claims based on early research data which may or may not be correct but do make persons with and at risk for infection quite nervous. This is an example of this sort of event.
Please do not worry about reports of so-called "new strains" of HIV, such information may or may not be correct and whether it is or not, does not change the risk factors for infection, how to diagnose the infection, or what to do about it for persons who are infected.
I hope this comment is helpful top you. Please do not worry. EWH
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