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HIV / AIDS DIAGNOSIS

Talk to your healthcare provider to find out which HIV test is best for you. If the test result is negative, a follow-up test after a few weeks or months may be needed to confirm the outcome.

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Overview

HIV can be detected through blood or saliva tests, which include:

  1. Antigen-Antibody Tests:

    • These tests often use blood from a vein.

    • Antigens, which are parts of the HIV virus, appear in the blood a few weeks after exposure.

    • Antibodies, produced by the immune system to fight HIV, may take 2 to 6 weeks to show up in the blood.

  2. Antibody Tests:

    • These detect HIV antibodies in blood or saliva.

    • Most rapid HIV tests and self-tests are antibody tests.

    • Antibodies may not appear until 3 to 12 weeks after exposure.

  3. Nucleic Acid Tests (NATs):

    • NATs check for the actual virus in the blood (viral load) and use blood drawn from a vein.

    • This test is typically recommended if exposure to HIV occurred within the last few weeks, as it can detect the virus earlier than other tests.

Speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best test for your situation. If the initial test is negative, a follow-up test after a few weeks or months might be needed to confirm the results.

Tests to stage disease and treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with HIV, it’s important to work with a specialist experienced in HIV care. They can help you:

  • Determine if additional tests are needed.

  • Choose the most effective HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) for you.

  • Monitor your health and progress while managing your overall care.

To better understand your condition and create a personalized treatment plan, your healthcare provider may recommend tests such as:

  1. CD4 T Cell Count:

    • CD4 T cells are white blood cells targeted and destroyed by HIV.

    • HIV progresses to AIDS when the CD4 count drops below 200, even if no symptoms are present.

  2. Viral Load (HIV RNA):

    • Measures the amount of HIV in your blood.

    • Effective treatment aims for an undetectable viral load, reducing the risk of complications and transmission.

  3. Medicine Resistance Testing:

    • Identifies if your strain of HIV is resistant to certain medicines.

    • This helps guide the choice of the most effective treatment for your specific case.

Collaborating with a knowledgeable specialist ensures you receive the best care and support for managing HIV.

Tests for complications

Your healthcare provider may recommend additional lab tests to check for infections or complications related to HIV. These tests can help identify and manage conditions such as:

  • Tuberculosis (TB): A common co-infection in people with HIV.

  • Hepatitis B or C: Viral infections that can worsen liver health.

  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Other infections that may impact your health.

  • Liver or Kidney Function: To monitor any damage caused by HIV, medications, or co-infections.

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): A potential complication for people with weakened immune systems.

  • Cervical and Anal Cancer: These cancers can occur due to human papillomavirus (HPV) and require regular screening.

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV): A virus that can reactivate if your immune system is weakened.

  • Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection that can cause severe symptoms if untreated.

These tests allow your provider to detect, treat, and prevent complications early, supporting your overall health and well-being.

Hospital Bed

If you think you may have been infected with HIV or are at risk of contracting the virus, see a healthcare professional as soon as you can.

When to see a Doctor?

Treatment for HIV/AIDS

While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, treatment can control the virus and prevent complications. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the cornerstone of HIV management and is recommended for everyone diagnosed with HIV, regardless of the stage or symptoms
 

How ART Works

ART typically combines two or more medications from different drug classes to effectively:

  • Combat medication resistance.

  • Prevent the development of new resistant strains of HIV.

  • Suppress the virus to undetectable levels in the blood.

Most ART regimens consist of two drugs from one class and a third drug from another. Many treatment options combine multiple medications into a single daily pill.
 

Classes of HIV Medications

  1. Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs): Block a protein HIV needs to replicate.

    • Examples: Efavirenz, Rilpivirine, Doravirine.

  2. Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs): Act as faulty building blocks, preventing the virus from replicating.

    • Examples: Abacavir, Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, Emtricitabine.

    • Combination drugs: Truvada, Descovy.

  3. Protease Inhibitors (PIs): Inactivate HIV protease, another protein crucial for replication.

    • Examples: Atazanavir, Darunavir, Lopinavir-ritonavir.

  4. Integrase Inhibitors: Block HIV from integrating its genetic material into CD4 T cells.

    • Examples: Biktarvy, Raltegravir, Dolutegravir.

  5. Entry or Fusion Inhibitors: Prevent HIV from entering CD4 T cells.

    • Examples: Enfuvirtide, Maraviroc, Trogarzo, Fostemsavir.
       

Staying on Treatment

Starting ART and adhering to it is vital. Consistent use:

  • Keeps your immune system strong.

  • Reduces the risk of infections and complications.

  • Prevents treatment-resistant HIV.

  • Lowers the chance of transmitting the virus to others.

If challenges arise, such as side effects or adherence issues, talk to your healthcare provider. Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor your health and treatment response.
 

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

  • Heart, kidney, or liver issues.

  • Bone thinning or loss.

  • Unusual cholesterol or blood sugar levels.

  • Cognitive, emotional, or sleep disturbances.


Addressing Age-Related Health Concerns

Managing age-related conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, or diabetes can be more complex for individuals with HIV. Always inform all healthcare providers about your ART regimen to avoid harmful drug interactions.
 

Monitoring Treatment Response

Your viral load and CD4 T cell counts will be regularly monitored:

  • Initial check: 4–6 weeks after starting treatment.

  • Ongoing checks: Every 3–6 months.

A successful ART regimen reduces the viral load to undetectable levels. While this doesn’t eliminate HIV from the body, it significantly lowers the risk of complications and transmission.

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