A seronegative case of HIV-1 subtype C infection in Botswana.
We report the first case, to our knowledge, of antibody-negative human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype C infection, which was identified during screening for acute HIV-1 infection in Botswana. Results of tests for HIV-1 antibodies were consistently negative, including rapid and regular enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. The nonrecombinant HIV-1 subtype C infection was confirmed by viral genotyping within the gag, pol, and env genes. The period between referral of the patient in a clinically stable condition and AIDS-related death was approximately 3 months. The reported case indicates the importance of studying the prevalence of seronegative HIV-1 infection in southern Africa, where subtype C predominates.
Novitsky
Vladimir
V
Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative Partnership for HIV Research and Education, Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana.
Gaolathe
Tendani
T
Woldegabriel
Elias
E
Makhema
Joseph
J
Essex
M
M
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis; D001902:Botswana; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood*
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D012367:RNA, Viral