ANTIGEN ASSAYS FOR THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1991. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

ANTIGEN ASSAYS FOR THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS

HIV Detection by Genetic Engineering Methods. Luciw PA and Steimer KS, eds. New York, Marcel Dekker, p. 169-93, 1989.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/90660261
Homsy J; Univ. of California, San Francisco, CA

Abstract: As an alternative to the costly, time-consuming, and potentially hazardous procedure of isolating HIV from tissue culture, antigen assays for HIV have been developed. The different antigen assays described to date are reviewed, including consideration of their characteristics, applications, and limitations from biologic and clinical perspectives. Topics include immunohistochemical assays (immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase assays), immunoblot assay, radioimmunoprecipitation/sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, competitive radioimmunoassay, ELISAs (sequential competition ELISA and capture ELISA), performance and applications of the assays, and clinical studies (routine HIV-antigen testing and HIV antigenemia, infectiousness, and clinical prognosis). While all antigen assays have contributed to understanding HIV structure and biology, ELISAs have been particularly useful in clinical and epidemiologic studies due to their sensitivity and relative simplicity. Nevertheless, antigen assays cannot distinguish between infectious particles and noninfectious antigens and are sometimes limited by the occurrence of nonspecific reactions. Therefore, a negative HIV-antigen test result is not conclusive, especially when clinical specimens are examined. Complementary testing may be needed to secure a diagnosis, including such tests as antibody status, tissue culture, in situ DNA hybridization, and the polymerase chain reaction assay. (65 Refs)

Keywords: AIDS Serodiagnosis/*METHODS Comparative Study Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Human HIV/*IMMUNOLOGY HIV Antigens/*ANALYSIS HIV Infections/*DIAGNOSIS/IMMUNOLOGY Immunoblotting Immunohistochemistry Prognosis Radioimmunoassay Radioimmunoprecipitation Assay MONOGRAPH REVIEW

911130
M91B0842

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1991. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1991. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .