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Group O human immunodeficiency virus-1 infections
1Division of AIDS, STD, and TB Laboratory Research, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|March 12, 1998
Summary
Genetic diversity in human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) poses diagnostic challenges. Group O HIV-1 strains, distinct from common group M, may evade standard tests, impacting AIDS diagnosis and blood safety.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), the causative agents of AIDS, exhibit significant genetic diversity.
- HIV-1 encompasses major (group M) subtypes and genetically divergent group O viruses.
- Group O HIV-1 is primarily found in Africa but has been reported globally, and is linked to AIDS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by genetically divergent Group O HIV-1.
- To underscore the potential unreliability of standard HIV-1 group M diagnostic tests for Group O infections.
- To emphasize the need for test modifications to ensure blood supply safety.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of HIV-1 genetic diversity, focusing on Group M and Group O subtypes.
- Evaluation of diagnostic test performance for Group O HIV-1 detection.
- Assessment of implications for blood screening and public health.
Main Results:
- Group O HIV-1 viruses are highly divergent from Group M strains.
- Existing diagnostic tests optimized for Group M may yield false-negative or unreliable results for Group O infections.
- The prevalence of Group O, though regional, necessitates broader diagnostic considerations.
Conclusions:
- The genetic divergence of Group O HIV-1 presents a significant challenge for current diagnostic assays.
- Modifications to existing HIV detection tests are crucial to accurately diagnose Group O infections.
- Ensuring the reliability of diagnostic tests is essential for safeguarding the blood supply and managing the AIDS epidemic.
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