Low specificity of the Murex fourth-generation HIV enzyme immunoassay in Tanzanian adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the specificity of the Abbott Murex HIV antigen/antibody combination enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the diagnosis of HIV infection in Tanzania.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of 7333 Tanzanian adolescents and young adults was carried out. Sera testing positive by the Murex assay were further evaluated using a battery of other EIA which detect either antibody to HIV-1 or p24 antigen, and by PCR using pol primers.


RESULTS
Of the 674 sera testing positive by the Murex assay, only 53 (7.9%) were confirmed. The specificity of the Murex assay was 91.5%.


CONCLUSIONS
Serological tests for HIV may perform differently in different populations. New diagnostic tests should not be introduced into populations in which they have not been evaluated.
Everett
Dean B
DB
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
Weiss
Helen A
HA
Changalucha
John
J
Anemona
Alessandra
A
Chirwa
Tobias
T
Ross
David A
DA
Watson-Jones
Deborah
D
Parry
John V
JV
Hayes
Richard
R
Mabey
David C
DC
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques / Q000592:standards*; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013636:Tanzania
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic