HIV 2: A Benign Onlooker or A Subtle Threat?

Area of Science:

• Medical Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 2 (HIV-2) is endemic in West Africa but has spread globally, including India.
• Despite its presence, conclusive knowledge regarding HIV-2 epidemiology and clinical characteristics remains limited.
• Understanding HIV-2 prevalence is crucial for effective public health strategies and disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the seroprevalence of HIV-2 among clients attending an Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) in Jaipur, India.
• To assess the co-infection rates of HIV-1 and HIV-2.
• To inform diagnostic and treatment strategies in low-prevalence settings.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of data from 8190 clients at a tertiary care hospital's ICTC.
• Screening for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies using diagnostic assays.
• Calculation of overall HIV prevalence and specific HIV-2 seroprevalence.

Main Results:

• A total of 135 clients (1.64%) were HIV-seropositive.
• Only one client tested positive for HIV-2, resulting in a seroprevalence of 0.01%.
• No cases of co-infection with both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies were detected.

Conclusions:

• HIV-2 infection is rare in the studied population of Jaipur, India.
• Continued use of diagnostic assays capable of detecting both HIV-1 and HIV-2 is recommended for accurate diagnosis and effective disease management.
• Enhanced surveillance and research are needed to better understand HIV-2 in non-endemic regions.