Living with HIV in the Philippines: Email 379: HIV and Pulmonary TB

Hi, I'm an avid reader of this blog. Really helpful for PEOPLE LIKE US (Bisexual) to be aware of HIV. Kudos to this blog.

My question is, Is pulmonary tuberculosis an early sign of HIV? I had unprotected sex once MAY 2013, and i was diagnosed PULMONARY TB (but not contagoius - i had my sputum test and comes out to be negative.) last JULY 2013. We had multiple history of TB in the family? Can you educate me about the window period thingy, and TB? Btw, really shocked for me having diagnosed by TB. I really dont have signs of it aside from coughing, And
i'm really okay now. I'm on my 2nd month of the treatment for TB. I'm pretty sure i'm 100% okay now. I dont have cough, etc. Based on what i've mentioned aboved, DO YOU THINK I HAVE HIV? I really want to get tested but i am also afraid to take it. GIVE ME STRENGTH. GUSTO KO NA MATAPOS TONG ANXIETY NA TO!!! :))

Thank you.
XXX

CONTRIBUTOR'S RESPONSE

Hi XXX,

Thank you for your email and for reading this blog.

Pulmonary TB is not an early sign of HIV. It is an AIDS defining illness. AIDS is advanced HIV infection. It is indicated by group of 27, and if you include children 29 illnesses known as AIDS defining illnesses with one of them being TB. AIDS also defined as someone who is HIV+ with a CD4 cell count below 200 or a CD4% below 14%. CD4 cells, also known as CD4+ T lymphocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells are helper cells that organize the immune system’s response to bacteria, fungi and viruses. AIDS defining illnesses can occur irrespective of your CD4 count or percentage but they usually occur when both those indicators are at lower levels. Thus, it is unlikely that your TB is HIV/AIDS related but the only way to know your HIV status is to get tested.

The window period for HIV for the ELISA test for HIV is usually between 2-8 weeks although it can be as long as 6 months in some cases. You mentioned you had unprotected sex in May so you are definitely outside of the window period now for the ELISA test. You often only have to wait 2 hours at the testing site for the result. Note that if it returned a Reactive result, your blood sample would then be sent for the confirmatory Western Blot test. If you wish to have someone assist/accompany you to get tested please contact Mark, our Project Red Ribbon Care Manager on 0916-346-2538.

In the meantime, remain adherent to your TB meds. Adherent means taking them regularly and in the manner prescribed by your Medical Doctor for as long as they are prescribed for. Don’t ceased taking them because you feel you are “pretty sure you are 100% OK now.” Antibiotic resistant TB, irrespective of your HIV status, is very difficult to treat and can occur if you don’t complete the whole course as prescribed.

I hope you have found this response helpful.

Get tested, stay healthy, and if you’re given the option to start ARV, take it and remain compliant with your ARV regimen.