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Surveillance for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 group O infections in the United States
1Division of HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Background:
Reports that the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) group O variants are not reliably detected by some commercial diagnostic tests have raised concerns about the sensitivity of existing screening tests, especially with regard to blood safety. Although it is unlikely that these divergent strains are prevalent in North America, systematic, continuous surveillance is needed to monitor the potential spread of HIV variants into that region.
Study Design And Methods:
Stored serum samples (n = 1072) from both high- and low-risk population groups at several sites in the United States and Puerto Rico were tested by peptide enzyme immunoassays specific for the prototypic HIV-1 group O strains, MVP5180 and ANT70.
Results:
None of the 1072 samples examined had peptide reactivity that was consistent with HIV-1 group O infection.
Conclusion:
While no evidence of specific HIV-1 group O (MVP5180 or ANT70) infection was found in this study, the sensitivity of current tests has not been fully evaluated against the wide range of genetic variation of HIV. Therefore, it is important to continue active surveillance for HIV-1 and HIV type 2 strains, to characterize any divergent strains, and to judiciously modify tests to correct for any deficiencies in sensitivity.
Insights
This study found no evidence of HIV-1 group O infection in 1072 US serum samples. Continued surveillance is crucial to monitor for new human immunodeficiency virus variants and ensure blood safety.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding the sensitivity of commercial diagnostic tests for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) group O variants.
- This is particularly relevant for blood safety, as divergent HIV strains may evade detection.
- While HIV-1 group O is unlikely to be prevalent in North America, continuous surveillance is necessary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the presence of HIV-1 group O infection in the United States and Puerto Rico.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current diagnostic methods against emerging HIV variants.
- To inform strategies for ongoing HIV surveillance and test development.
Main Methods:
- A total of 1072 stored serum samples from diverse population groups were analyzed.
- Samples were collected from various sites across the United States and Puerto Rico.
- Peptide enzyme immunoassays specific for prototypic HIV-1 group O strains (MVP5180 and ANT70) were employed.
Main Results:
- No detectable peptide reactivity consistent with HIV-1 group O infection was found in any of the 1072 samples tested.
- The study did not identify any cases of infection with the specific HIV-1 group O strains (MVP5180 or ANT70).
Conclusions:
- The study found no evidence of HIV-1 group O infection in the tested US and Puerto Rican populations.
- Current diagnostic test sensitivity against the full spectrum of HIV genetic diversity remains incompletely evaluated.
- Ongoing active surveillance for all HIV strains, characterization of novel variants, and test modification are essential for maintaining effective screening.