Comparative evaluation of rapid tests, HIV specific peptide EIA and Western Blot test for diagnosis of HIV-2 and HIV 1&2 infection

Background In 1986, a second type of HIV, called HIV-2, was isolated from AIDS patients in West Africa, where it may have been present decades earlier. HIV-2 infections are predominantly found in Africa. West African nations report a prevalence of HIV-2 infection of more than 1% in the general population. The prevalence rate of HIV-2 infection in India is not available so far as HIV-2 infections are underreported in India. The currently used Rapid Antibody diagnostic tests when used singly are unable to specifically detect HIV-2 and HIV 1&2 infections. Hence the present study was undertaken to specifically detect HIV-2 and HIV 1&2 infections and validate the currently used Rapid test kits using HIV specific peptide EIA and Western Blot test for diagnosis of HIV-2 and HIV 1&2 infection.