Man Discovers He Was Wrongly Diagnosed With HIV

Solomon Mthana, a 50-year-old man from South Africa, has disclosed that he had psychological and emotional distress subsequent to receiving an incorrect HIV diagnosis and being prescribed antiretroviral therapy.

He claims that learning later in life that he is negative has sent him and his family through a roller coaster of emotions and psychological effects.

It was learned that his suffering started when he went to Settlers Hospital in Makhanda in March for surgery to remove a tumour from his head. To find the lump’s underlying causes, doctors obtained blood samples for laboratory testing.

Additionally, they insisted on having an immediate-result HIV test. After the test revealed that Mthana had HIV, he received counselling prior to starting ARV medication.

The private security guard informed Sowetan that the medications had an adverse effect on his body and that the incorrect diagnosis had caused him to experience psychological and emotional trauma.

He said; “I was struggling to get used to the drugs. The first two weeks were the worst. I was vomiting constantly, had nausea and my body was often abnormally tired.”

But it wasn’t until April—after Mthana had been on the medication for more than a month and had learned to live with a virus that didn’t exist in his body—that the lab returned negative results from his blood test.

The day the doctors told him the news, he stated he had a feeling something wasn’t right. He claimed that nurses were exceptionally kind to him. He went on to say that they immediately gave him counselling.

Mthana said; “Around four nurses received me when I arrived at the facility and were too polite. I have never seen them like that. They even offered me tea. There was also a therapist. By that time, I knew there was something suspicious. Then the doctor came and broke this news.

“I had disclosed to my partner and some of the members of my family about my HIV-positive status which I was then told later it never existed. It’s been an emotional and psychological roller-coaster ride for me and my family. We have been taken to hell and back.”

The rapid response test kit is to blame for the erroneous results, and the Eastern Cape health service has apologised to Mthana for the incident. According to Mkhululi Ndamase, a department spokesperson, the test kits that provide instant results are not entirely accurate.

He said; “It is important to note that HIV test kits have a 99% accuracy rate, meaning there is a possibility of false positive cases. The Test was done in line with protocol.

“We can confirm that the patient is known to Settlers Hospital. The patient was called, and redress was done and accepted after the clinical processes taken were explained to him.”

Ndamase stated that no one was to blame for the occurrence, and that no further action will be taken against anyone at the hospital.

While Mthana is concerned that using and quitting the medications will have long-term consequences, Prof Glenda Grey, former president and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, says he need not be concerned.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli