Q: After a probable unsafe exposure, I took 3 PCR DNA tests for HIV at 7 days, 21 days and finally at 3 months. All were negative. I also did 2 HIV duo tests at 21 days and 3 months, both were negative. I also did a standard Elisa at 3 months, which was negative as well. I did a chlamydia trachomatis IgM test, which showed a value of 0.638 (cut off - 0.537). Is there an infection? What medication should I take? Is it totally curable?

A:The multiple tests for HIV, that you have taken, prove that you have not contracted HIV. Actually so many tests were not necessary. You very obviously seem unusually “anxious”. Let me educate you about Chlamydia. Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium ‘Chlamydia Trachomatis’. However, many people do not know that they have chlamydia, because although they are infected they may not have any symptoms. About 75% of infected women and half of infected men have themselves no symptoms of chlamydia. Exchange of body fluids containing the organism such as semen, saliva, or vaginal secretions transmits the infection. The amount of time between contact with chlamydia and signs of infection (incubation period) is usually 1-3 weeks. If symptoms do occur, they would include a cloudy or clear discharge from the penis or anus; itching and/or burning during urination; pain or swelling around the testicles, and/or the need to urinate more frequently. Less commonly, both men and women can get eye infections. Untreated chlamydial infection in men can spread to the prostate and epididymis, causing inflammation, pain, and possible infertility. Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. It is important to make sure you and your partner both receive treatment in order to prevent getting infected again. Avoid having sex while being treated to reduce the chances of getting the infection again or transmitting it to the other.