One day after a casual sexual encounter with a bisexual man recently diagnosed as antibody-positive for HIV, a patient is concerned about whether she may have become infected. A negative antibody titer is obtained. To test for seroconversion, when is the earliest you should reschedule repeat antibody testing after this sexual encounter?: (A) 1 to 2 weeks, (B) 16 to 20 weeks, (C) 6 to 12 weeks, (D) 12 to 15 weeks
Answer is C. Persons at high risk for infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) include homosexuals, bisexual males, women having sex with a bisexual or homosexual paner, intravenous drug users, and hemophiliacs. Antibody titer usually becomes positive 6 to 12 weeks after exposure, Because of occasional delayed appearance of the antibody after initial exposure, it is impoant to follow up patients for 1 year after exposure.