Comparative evaluation of rapid tests, HIV specific peptide EIA and Western Blot test for diagnosis of HIV-2 and HIV 1&2 infection

Background

In 1986, a second type of HIV, called HIV-2, was isolated from AIDS patients in West Africa, where it may have been present decades earlier. HIV-2 infections are predominantly found in Africa. West African nations report a prevalence of HIV-2 infection of more than 1% in the general population. The prevalence rate of HIV-2 infection in India is not available so far as HIV-2 infections are underreported in India. The currently used Rapid Antibody diagnostic tests when used singly are unable to specifically detect HIV-2 and HIV 1&2 infections. Hence the present study was undertaken to specifically detect HIV-2 and HIV 1&2 infections and validate the currently used Rapid test kits using HIV specific peptide EIA and Western Blot test for diagnosis of HIV-2 and HIV 1&2 infection.

Methods

A total of 37 serum samples (18 HIV-2 and 19 HIV 1&2) were evaluated by using HIV specific peptide EIA (CDC Atlanta, USA) and Western Blot test. All these 37 samples were diagnosed HIV-2 and HIV 1&2 as per the guidelines laid down by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), India.

Results

100% concordance was observed in the results of Rapid tests, EIA test and Western Blot test.

Conclusion

Under all circumstances screening for diagnosis of HIV should be based on three different tests with three different antigenic principles. Using above protocol it is possible to detect HIV-2 and HIV 1&2 infections.