Improving HIV-2 detection by a combination of serological and nucleic acid amplification test assays
Ciccaglione, A.R.; Miceli, M.; Pisani, G.; Bruni, R.; Iudicone, P.; Costantino, A.; Equestre, M.; Tritarelli, E.; Marcantonio, C.; Tataseo, P.; Marazzi, M.C.; Ceffa, S.; Paturzo, G.; Altan, A.M.D.; San Lio, M.M.; Mancinelli, S.; Ciccozzi, M.; Lo Presti, A.; Rezza, G.; Palombi, L.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology 48(8): 2902-2908
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1098-660X PMID: 20573872 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00121-10Document Number: 210797
The ability to detect HIV-2 and to discriminate between HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections was evaluated in 46 serum samples from Guinea-Bissau (GB) and Guinea-Conakry (GC) using serological tests and commercial (HIV-1) and in-house (HIV-2) real-time PCR assays. Samples were first identified as HIV-2 positive by Genie I/II assay in GB and GC. HIV positivity was detected in 44 of 46 samples by all screening and confirmatory assays. A diagnostic strategy based on Inno-LIA and HIV-1/2 RNA detection assays allowed accurate discrimination between HIV-1 and HIV-2 in 84% of single infections and confirmed 32% of double infections. In samples with double reactivity in the Inno-LIA test and no detection of both genomes, cross-reactivity likely hampered the identification of true double infections. In conclusion, the implementation of a diagnostic strategy, based on multiple specific serological tests and highly sensitive quantitative PCR assays, is recommended to ensure accurate HIV-2 diagnosis and appropriate therapy for individuals from areas in which the virus is endemic.