Testing for infection with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]

ABSTRACT

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]