Cost-effective diagnosis of HIV-1 and HIV-2 by recombinant-expressed env peptide (566/996) dot-blot analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the recombinant env peptides, 566 (HIV-1) and 996 (HIV-2), for their ability to serodiagnose HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection. To develop a cost-effective dot-blot format for these peptides, and to evaluate its performance in a developing country laboratory.


METHODS
The recombinant env peptides were evaluated using a select panel of sera (n = 327) with known serostatus from geographically diverse areas. A dot-blot assay was developed and tested on a second set of immunoblotted sera (n = 331) and further evaluated in the field on a third set of sera (n = 2718) from study populations.


METHODS
All sera were evaluated by immunoblot with both HIV-1 and HIV-2 viral lysates. The recombinant env peptides were characterized in immunoblot assay before development of the dot-blot assay.


RESULTS
The 566 (HIV-1) peptide showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. The 996 (HIV-2) peptide performed similarly, but showed the presence of HIV-1 cross-reactive epitopes. When the two env peptides were used together, there was high specificity and sensitivity for detecting HIV-positive sera in both immunoblot and dot-blot formats. The dot-blot assay performed in the field showed slightly lower specificity and sensitivity for HIV diagnosis. The relative cost of this assay combined with non-commercial immunoblot confirmation was 10-fold lower than conventional commercial assays.


CONCLUSIONS
The 566 and 996 env peptides are appropriate antigens for HIV serotype diagnosis. A dot-blot assay using these peptides may be a useful cost-effective method for HIV diagnosis applicable in developing country laboratories.
Guèye-Ndiaye
A
A
Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal.
Clark
R J
RJ
Samuel
K P
KP
Ndour-Sarr
A N
AN
Ouangré
A
A
Sangaré
L
L
Mboup
S
S
Marlink
R G
RG
Papas
T S
TS
Child
R H
RH
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D015686:Gene Products, env / Q000276:immunology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D015497:HIV-1; D015498:HIV-2; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D015686:Gene Products, env; D011994:Recombinant Proteins