I was tested for HIV four months after a possible exposure (the partner?s HIV status was unknown, and the intercourse was protected with a condom). The test result was negative. It has now been six months since the possible exposure. Recently, I developed nasal blockage and breathing difficulty, so I visited a chest specialist who ordered a Total IgE test. The report showed highly elevated IgE levels (about 2000 kU/L). Should I be worried, and is there any relation between elevated IgE levels and HIV?
A negative HIV test done four months after a possible low-risk exposure (condom-protected intercourse) is highly reliable and indicates that you are not infected with HIV. Elevated Total IgE levels are not related to HIV infection and are usually associated with conditions such as severe allergies, asthma, or, less commonly, parasitic infections. Your nasal blockage and breathing difficulty are most likely due to an allergic cause. For reassurance, you may repeat the HIV test now and follow up with your chest specialist or an allergist/immunologist for further evaluation and treatment.