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HIV-2 infection in an American
T R O'Brien1, C Polon, C A Schable
1Division of HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333.
AIDS (London, England)
|January 1, 1991
Summary
The first native-born US citizen diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 2 (HIV-2) infection highlights its rare occurrence outside West Africa. Further investigation is needed to understand the transmission route in this unique case.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 2 (HIV-2) is primarily endemic in West Africa.
- Cases outside this region are rare, with limited documented instances in the United States.
- Most previously identified HIV-2 cases in the US involved individuals from West Africa.
Observation:
- A native-born US citizen presented with a serum reactive to Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in 1986.
- Confirmatory testing showed reactivity to HIV-2 specific tests, including Western blot (WB) and synthetic peptide assays.
- HIV-2 DNA was confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Findings:
- This case represents the first diagnosis of HIV-2 infection in a native-born US citizen.
- Diagnostic discrepancies between HIV-1 and HIV-2 assays were noted.
- The patient had a travel history to West Africa, a potential but unconfirmed source of infection.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering HIV-2 in differential diagnoses, even in non-endemic regions.
- It highlights potential challenges in HIV diagnostic screening and confirmation.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific transmission pathways and potential spread of HIV-2 within the US.