Antibody avidity measurement and immune complex dissociation for serological diagnosis of vertically acquired HIV-1 infection

Article Abstract:

Combining antibody avidity measurements with a test to detect levels of free and complexed p24 antigen may be an inexpensive and practical means of diagnosing HIV infection transmitted from mother to infant. The HIV antibodies transmitted passively from HIV-infected mothers to their infants bind with different avidity, or strength, to HIV particles than do HIV antibodies generated by HIV-infected infants. Levels of unbound p24 antigen also indicate HIV-seropositivity but on their own are not reliable. Using both methods, HIV infection was established by age six months in all of 13 infants tested and confirmed using more elaborate tests. Furthermore, all of 17 uninfected infants tested negative using these procedures. Standard HIV testing methods used in adults can take more than 15 months to determine infection in infants, and confirmation of the results normally requires specialized equipment and training. The simplicity and speed of the combination method may make it especially useful in developing countries.

Usage, Diagnosis, HIV infection, HIV infections, Immune complexes, Antigen-antibody reactions

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Comparative evaluation of six rapid serological tests for HIV-1 antibody

Article Abstract:

Rapid and cost-efficient solid-phase capture immunoassays to test for HIV infection may be useful in developing countries and in emergencies. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmation with Western blot techniques are usually used to test for HIV infection, but these methods are expensive and time-consuming and require trained personnel. Six alternatives to ELISA were evaluated for their sensitivity and specificity for the HIV antibody. The solid-phase type of assays - SUDS, GENIE and HIVCHEK - were comparable to ELISA with sensitivities and specificities greater than 91%. The two dot-immunoblot assays and the latex agglutination test were all less specific than ELISA and the solid-phase assays. The solid-phase assays, especially HIVCHEK, were also the easiest to use, requiring the least equipment and time. HIVCHEK was the only test that did not require refrigeration.

Evaluation, Equipment and supplies, Immunoassay, Immunoblotting, Serodiagnosis, Serologic tests

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Heterosexual transmission of viral hepatitis and cytomegalovirus infection among United States military personnel stationed in the Western Pacific

Article Abstract:

Male US military personnel stationed in the western Pacific may have an increased risk of contracting hepatitis B or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection from heterosexual activity. Hepatitis B and CMV can be both be transmitted sexually. Among 470 male US military personnel in the western Pacific who were tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C virus (HCV) or CMV infection, 355 were patients at a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and 115 were undergoing a routine physical examination. Sixteen percent of the men had developed antibodies to the hepatitis B virus, 1% to HCV and 49% to CMV. Men who had been previously diagnosed with a STD had a higher risk of hepatitis B or CMV infection than those who had not been. Men who had had sexual intercourse with a female prostitute were more likely to be diagnosed with hepatitis B than those who had not.

Health aspects, Disease transmission, Cytomegalovirus infections, Hepatitis B, Military personnel, Heterosexuals

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