False-Positive Human Immunodeficiency Virus Results in COVID-19 Patients.
Cureus
; 15(1): e34096, 2023 Jan.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2261908
ABSTRACT
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease, was first described in 2019 and became a pandemic in 2020. Although it is possible for two viruses to co-infect together, a rarer phenomenon of false-positive results due to cross-reactivity between viruses is also possible. Herein, we present two cases of the false-positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) results in those infected with COVID-19. Both patients were screened for HIV and were initially found to be positive with the fourth-generation test. A subsequent blood test revealed no viral load, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) test indicated no reactivity to HIV, thus the false initial screening test. SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped RNA virus with its outer surface containing a spike-like glycoprotein, which allows it to recognize host cells and invade. HIV-1 gp41 and SARS-CoV-2 share several structural sequences and motifs. These similarities could explain cross-reactivity and false-positive results when screening for HIV in the presence of COVID. The presence of HIV must be confirmed through more specific laboratory tests such as ELISA.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Case report
/
Randomized controlled trials
Language:
English
Journal:
Cureus
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Cureus.34096
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS