Application of viral load for differentiating diagnosis of early HIV infection / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the application of viral load for differentiating diagnosis of early HIV infection. Methods Thirteen indeterminate specimens, which showed early HIV infection of antibody detection, were selected. Viral load of the specimens were detected. People with suspicious infection were followed up and certified infection status through EIA and Western blot. Results Twelve of 13 indeterminate specimens which indicated early HIV infection, had positive viral loads. One antibody-positive infant was confirmed to have been infected by HIV and 11 recent infected (window period) persons were certified during the follow-up. One antibody-positive infant had negative viral load and was certified noninfected per-son during the follow-up. Viral load testing results accorded with HIV infection status. Conclusion Viral load testing can be used to diagnose HIV early infection, including antibody-positive infants (within 18 months) and recent infected persons. Viral load testing could be diagnostic in determinate specimens during early HIV infection.