Testing for infection with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]

HIV testing is an integral part of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS] prevention and control of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection. Tests for HIV infection include; HIV culture in stimulated lymphocytes, testing for HIV p24 antigen, detection of HIV nucleic acids using polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and antibodies to HIV using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant assays [ELISA] and Western Blot. For screening purposes, detection of antibodies to HIV are the most commonly used methods The second and third generation ELISA HIV assays are less hazardous to manufacture since no cultivation of the virus is needed and are more sensitive and specific than the first generation assays The latter fact is due to the more stability and adequacy of the antigenic proteins available through DNA recombinant technology. In Kuwait HIV screening for HIV infection is done using second and third generation ELISA testing. Western blot test is used to confirm the positive results as well as the diagnosis of the type of HIV [1 or 2]

Poliomyelitis: immune status of the populotion of Kuwait

A comprehensive program to immunize children against polioviruses was started in Kuwait in 1976. This report is the first laboratory study aimed at investigating the immune status of the population of Kuwait to polioviruses. By using a virus neutralization procedure, the prevalence and the titer of poliovirus-specific antibodies were determined in 759 serum samples. Samples represented the following age groups: 0-1 months, 1-9 years, 10-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years and 40-60 years. The first two age groups, during which the polio vaccinations are given, were studied in detail. Results allow for the following conclusions: [1] Monovalent [type 1] polio vaccine, given at birth, has an impact on the early development of immunity. It prevents the drop in the [maternal] antibody level during the first 2 months of life. [2] Immunity to all three types of polioviruses reaches a high level at the age of 5-6 months. [3] Both the prevalence and the level of antibody remain high in older age groups. The data reported here prove that the use of trivalent oral polio vaccine along with an efficient vaccination coverage has led to the complete elimination of paralytic poliomyelitis in Kuwait. Maintaining the polio-free status requires laboratory monitoring of the antibody level and nature of circulating poliovirus strains