Question

Could you comment on the possible routes of infection?

9 June 2008. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, Newly diagnosed.

Hi,
I have a peculiar situation. I was HIV negative in December 2007 and became HIV positive in March 2008. A primary episode of Herpes (diagnosed as HSV1) after sex prompted me to seek HIV test and it turned out positive. Oddly enough, my partner from whom I contracted HSV1 tested HIV-negative. I have all my life used condoms while having sex, performed oral sex with discretion and never swallowed semen etc. I have never been an injecting drug user or had any instances exposure to blood/ body fluids (other than saliva exchange during kissing or possible precum during oral sex). My CD4 count in the first test was 819 and Viral Load of 27000 copies. I am generally healthy and have not had any herpes recurrences since.

Could you please comment on the likely route of transmission given my history. I suspect my tests may have been positive due to cross reactions with HSV1. I am very worried and confused about my positive result, given the fact that I have never had a history of STIs and always played safe!

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Sorry to hear that. Perhaps, just to make it clear for yourself, you should go for a second test.

As for the routes, sometimes precum can contain quite a lot of virus and this is especially true if your sexual partner has been in the seroconversion period at that time. In a case like that, oral sexy is a risky activity, in particular if you have problems with the gums or some literally invisible wounds in the mouth.

Then, sex with a condom is termed as safer sex, not safe sex. This is exactly because apart from the intercourse itself, people are involved in other sexual activities around it. They can also lead to infection. If you want to discuss that, you can call us at 0808 800 6013. This is a free phoneline from landlines in the UK.

Or contact an organisation like the THT (www.tht.org.uk) that provides counselling support.