Virological exploration of individuals with discordant HIV screening tests.
Screening for HIV infection can use many algorithms. When two different HIV antibody assays are used, discordant results may occur. To discriminate between HIV seroconversion, HIV variant infection and false positive reactivity, 30 consecutive subjects with two discordant HIV antibody-screening assays were extensively investigated for HIV infection. No subject had HIV seroconversion or reached HIV seropositivity criteria after a follow-up of 3 months. By contrast 36% became HIV negative by the use of both HIV screening assays. p24 Antigen, HIV-1 RNA, HIV-1 DNA, HIV-2 DNA assays and HIV isolation by sensitive culture were unable to identify HIV infection in the 30 subjects with discordant HIV screening assays. The data suggest that the use of two HIV screening assays increase false-positive HIV results without increasing clinical sensitivity. To compliment follow-up of HIV screening, early testing for HIV RNA could be useful to identify or eliminate a recent infection.
Pasquier
C
C
Laboratoire de Virologie, variabilité virale, EA2046-IFR30, place du Dr. Baylac, Hôpital Purpan, TSA 40031, F-31 059 Toulouse Cedex, France. pasquier.c@chu-toulouse.fr
Sandres-Sauné
K
K
Mansuy
J-M
JM
Puissant
B
B
Viraben
R
R
Spenato
N
N
Miédougé
M
M
Massip
P
P
Blancher
A
A
Izopet
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24 / Q000032:analysis; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015498:HIV-2 / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D014776:Virus Cultivation
D004279:DNA, Viral; D015483:HIV Antibodies; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24; D012367:RNA, Viral