Confused and worried

[samiee]

Hello all. Looking for some clarity here.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an opportunistic infection, correct?
It’s and AIDS defining illness according to the info on the internet.

So my story is as a child I was diagnosed with extra pulmonary tuberculosis of the lymph node. I grew up in a third world country so i was probably exposed to it somehow.
Recently at work they had an HIV testing drive. They gave us pamphlets and TB was listed as an opportunistic infection that people with AIDS get. It gave me chills because I had TB. And then I went on Google to search more and came across this forum and Medhelp which seem to have reliable info about HIV/AIDS. On medhelp a doctor had written that in the past they did not even care if the HIV test was positive or negative and if you had an opportunistic infection you would be classed as having AIDS.

During the HIV drive at work I was tested for HIV with an antigen/antibody test and it was negative. I have only ever deep kissed a man. I’m a female. However the fact that the link above says you can have AIDS regardless of the HIV result I am very anxious and jittery right now. What do I do?! Should I do the CD4 count test?

[Jim Allen]

I've been living with HIV for 24+ years, i have and still answer all kinds of questions regardless of how bizarre or strange they are with some respect to the person asking.

It's a requirement to answer questions in this forum and I agree with the high standards.

However, for the first time in my life, despite even answering in the past if you can get HIV from fucking a cow with a straight face, I have to ask are you just here to take the piss out of me and being disrespectful or are you seriously asking me this?

[samiee]

I’m sorry I didn’t mean to offend anyone. I am genuinely asking and I am genuinely panicked. Did you see the link I posted? Dr Hunter Handsfield is the one who said it. This is the quote in case you did not read “At one time, AIDS was diagnosed clinically, regardless of HIV test result -- and by that standard, it seems you have AIDS”
I am not trying to be funny at all. Please tell me why a doctor who people pay for his opinion on the forum has said it. And the fact that I had TB, which is an OI, would it mean i could have AIDS?! I have tested negative for HIV and like I only ever deep kissed but upon reading this on the other forum I am so anxious right now.

[samiee]

Once again sorry for offending even though that was never my intention.
. I would just like some explanation for my concern. I have given proof below about what is causing the confusion and even provided the link so that I could show exactly what was troubling me.

Can I have an answer to if someone has TB, is that classified as an opportunistic illness and does that mean the person has AIDS even if their hiv test is negative? I read about non-HIV AIDS being a thing as well.

Is there any test for AIDS? Or is the test just the one for HIV?

I hope someone here will answer me.

Thank you

[Jim Allen]

There were about 11 million people diagnosed with TB last year and about 1.5 million new HIV cases; the vast majority of the 1.5 million did not have TB. So 11 million+ cases TB cases without HIV.

If we had 11 million new HIV cases per year, we would, as a species would, have been in even more serious trouble than we already are a long time ago after 40+ years of HIV.

I'm not even going to start with the vast list of conditions classed as an OI and ADIS defining if you have HIV that people without HIV also acquire, some commonly enough, as it would be a vastly multiple of the 11 million mentioned with conditions and no HIV.

In short, you can acquire TB regardless of your HIV status. However, what is true is people living with HIV with compromised immune systems are disproportionately more susceptible to certain infections than their HIV-negative counterparts. That does not mean every person with an OI has HIV.

“At one time, AIDS was diagnosed clinically, regardless of HIV test result

Well, you don't have AIDS, as you don't even have HIV. You tested, and it's a non-reactive test result. Once upon a time, the 80s, well, many things happened once upon a time and might have been acceptable, but we live in 2023, not the past, thankfully.

The doctor's post from 2009 you are referring to also explains the same in their own words, which you seem to be selectively reading and quoted out of context. Try reading the whole post, particularly after the moment they say "(but see comment below)" clarifying the standards in 2009 compared to the early 90s.

I only ever deep kissed

Kissing isn't an HIV risk to you.

During the HIV drive at work I was tested for HIV with an antigen/antibody test and it was negative

Presume it was a rapid test? So you didn't have HIV 3 months before the test was taken. Congrats, you did not have HIV three months before this test.

Is there any test for AIDS? Or is the test just the one for HIV?

In brief, AIDS in HIV cases is the late/end stage of HIV infection. AIDS is when the immune system has been compromised to the point that you can no longer fight off infections, and HIV causes this immuno-compromised state. So there is no AIDS test, just an HIV test, and you can't have AIDS from HIV without having HIV.

Here's what you need to know to reduce your HIV risks:
Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse correctly and consistently, with no exceptions. Consider talking to your healthcare provider about PrEP as an additional layer of protection against HIV

Keep in mind that some sexual practices described as safe in terms of acquiring HIV still pose a risk for other easier-acquired STIs. So please do get tested at least yearly for STIs, including but not limited to HIV, and more frequently if condomless intercourse occurs.

Also, note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms; testing is the only way to know.

Kind regards

Jim

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