Detection of Primary HIV Infection by a Second-Generation HIV(p24) Antigen Test

Abstract

We studied the course of a primary HIV infection in a 54-year-old woman. Probably the source of infection was sexual intercourse, since other risks, such as i. v. drug use, acupuncture and transfusion were excluded. On admission she presented with fever, a maculopapular rash, and moderate enlargement of nuchal lymph nodes. At that time the anti-HIV 1,2 enzyme immunoassay was negative. However, the HIV-p24 Ag test, which was performed in every HIV screening in our laboratory, was positive. The suspicion of an acute HIV infection was supported by a positive HIV-cDNA-PCR and confirmed by Western blot after seroconversion. As additional finding, the blood smear showed abnormal white cell differential count, indicating viral infection. Aminotransferases were slightly increased, and antibodies to hepatitis B surface and core antigens demonstrated former hepatitis B infection. It is concluded that in this case the HIV-p24 Ag test proved its suitability for early diagnosis of an acute HIV infection. In case of testing blood donors, none of the compulsory sero-logical screening methods would have detected the HIV infection.

Performance Characteristics of the Immunoglobulin G-Capture BED-Enzyme Immunoassay, an Assay To Detect Recent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Seroconversion

“…659,2003). Although some efforts have been directed at detecting p24 antigen or HIV-1 RNA in the absence of HIV antibodies (1,4,10,12,13), other approaches are based on qualitative and quantitative differences in the evolution of HIV antibodies following seroconversion (2, 9, 11; Jenner et al, 10th Conf. Retrovir.…”