Question 1

What is HIV-2 infection?

Accepted Answer

HIV-2 infection is a type of human immunodeficiency virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is caused by the HIV-2 retrovirus, which is primarily found in West Africa but can occur worldwide and typically progresses more slowly than HIV-1. The HIV 1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects both viral antigens and antibodies specific to HIV-2.

Question 2

What causes HIV-2 infection?

Accepted Answer

HIV-2 infection is caused by the HIV-2 retrovirus, which is transmitted through contact with infected blood, sexual fluids, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The virus attacks CD4 cells (T-helper cells) in the immune system, gradually weakening the body's ability to fight infections and diseases. HIV-2 is primarily found in West Africa but has spread to other regions through migration and travel, though it remains much less common globally than HIV-1.

Question 3

What is the best test for HIV-2 infection?

Accepted Answer

The HIV 1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation test is the most important test for HIV-2 infection because it detects both viral antigens (p24 proteins from the virus itself) and HIV-specific antibodies produced by your immune system. This dual-detection approach makes it the gold standard for HIV diagnosis, as it can identify infection earlier than previous generations of tests by detecting antigens that appear 2-3 weeks after infection, before antibodies develop. The test specifically distinguishes between HIV-1 and HIV-2, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical management for HIV-2, which progresses differently and may respond differently to certain antiretroviral medications.

Question 4

When should I get tested for HIV-2 infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have had unprotected sex with someone from or who has lived in West Africa, if you have used injection drugs and shared needles, if you have received a blood transfusion in a country where HIV-2 is common, or if you have symptoms like persistent fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or swollen lymph nodes. Testing is also recommended if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy and have potential exposure risk, or if you work in healthcare and have had occupational exposure to blood or bodily fluids. Early detection is crucial because HIV-2 often progresses more slowly and may remain asymptomatic for years.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of HIV-2 infection?

Accepted Answer

HIV-2 infection often causes milder symptoms than HIV-1 and may remain asymptomatic for many years. Initial acute infection symptoms, appearing 2-4 weeks after exposure, can include fever, sore throat, rash, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fatigue that resemble flu-like illness. As the infection progresses to the chronic stage, you might experience persistent or recurrent fevers, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, chronic diarrhea, white spots or unusual sores in the mouth, and frequent infections. Many people with HIV-2 have no symptoms for extended periods, making regular testing essential for those at risk.

Question 6

Who is at risk for HIV-2 infection?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for HIV-2 infection include individuals from or with sexual partners from West African countries where HIV-2 is endemic (particularly Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and Gambia), people who engage in unprotected sex with multiple partners, individuals who use injection drugs and share needles or syringes, and those who have received blood transfusions or medical procedures in regions with high HIV-2 prevalence. Healthcare workers with occupational exposure to blood and bodily fluids, children born to mothers with HIV-2, and people with other sexually transmitted infections also face increased risk. HIV-2 is much less transmissible than HIV-1, but the same behaviors that spread HIV-1 can transmit HIV-2.

Question 7

What happens if HIV-2 infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated HIV-2 infection will gradually destroy your immune system, though typically more slowly than HIV-1, eventually leading to AIDS when CD4 cell counts drop below critical levels. Without treatment, you become increasingly vulnerable to opportunistic infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, certain cancers, and severe fungal infections that healthy immune systems normally prevent. The progression from HIV-2 infection to AIDS can take 10-15 years or longer, compared to 8-10 years for HIV-1, but once AIDS develops, life expectancy without treatment is typically 1-2 years. Early diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy can prevent progression to AIDS and allow people with HIV-2 to live normal lifespans with good quality of life.

Question 8

Can HIV-2 infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HIV-2 infection can be accurately diagnosed with a blood test, specifically the fourth generation HIV test that detects both HIV-1 and HIV-2. This test identifies viral antigens (p24 proteins) and antibodies your body produces in response to HIV-2 infection, providing results that can detect infection as early as 2-3 weeks after exposure. Standard HIV tests in the United States now routinely screen for both HIV-1 and HIV-2, and if the screening test is positive, confirmatory testing differentiates between the two types. Blood testing is the only reliable way to diagnose HIV-2 because symptoms alone cannot distinguish it from other conditions or from HIV-1.

Question 9

How is HIV-2 infection treated?

Accepted Answer

HIV-2 infection is treated with combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), though treatment differs from HIV-1 because HIV-2 has natural resistance to certain medications, particularly non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Your healthcare provider will prescribe a combination of antiretroviral drugs, typically including two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus a protease inhibitor or integrase inhibitor. Treatment starts when CD4 counts decline or viral load increases, and requires daily medication adherence to suppress the virus, maintain immune function, and prevent transmission to others. Regular monitoring through blood tests tracks CD4 cell counts and viral load to ensure treatment effectiveness, and most people with HIV-2 on successful treatment can achieve undetectable viral loads.

Question 10

How can I prevent HIV-2 infection?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent HIV-2 infection by practicing safe sex through consistent and correct condom use with every sexual encounter, limiting your number of sexual partners, and getting tested regularly if you are sexually active. Never share needles, syringes, or other injection drug equipment, and if you use drugs, seek help through needle exchange programs or addiction treatment services. If you are at high risk, discuss pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with your healthcare provider, though it is primarily studied for HIV-1. Healthcare workers should follow universal precautions when handling blood and bodily fluids, and pregnant women with HIV-2 should receive treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support my health with HIV-2 infection?

Accepted Answer

If you have HIV-2 infection, you can support your health at home by taking your antiretroviral medications exactly as prescribed without missing doses, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to maintain nutritional status, and getting regular exercise to support immune function and overall wellness. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these can weaken your immune system and interfere with medications. Manage stress through relaxation techniques, adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly), and maintaining social connections with supportive friends and family. Practice good hygiene to prevent infections, stay up to date with recommended vaccinations, and keep all medical appointments for regular monitoring of your viral load and CD4 counts.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HIV-2 Infection Blood Test

What is HIV-2 infection?

What causes HIV-2 infection?

What is the best test for HIV-2 infection?

When should I get tested for HIV-2 infection?

References

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