HIV Ag/Ab Combo

General information:

The HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay is a quantitative chemiluminescent detection of antigen and antibodies against the acquired immunodeficiency virus. The test simultaneously measures p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV type 1 (HIV-1 group M and group O) and/or type 2 (HIV -2)
HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay is used in the diagnosis of acute infection with the virus, in the preparation of documents, all other cases of suspected HIV infection. The test is also suitable for detection in children and pregnant women with suspected AIDS. The test is combined, latest generation, but cannot give information on which of the components gave a positive result. For further diagnosis, patients should be referred to the National AIDS Reference Laboratory.
Phylogenetic analyzes classify HIV type 1 into several groups M (major), N (non-M, non-O), O (outlier), and P group. HIV-1 group M consists of genetic subtypes (A-D, F-H, J, K) and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). Group M viruses are distributed worldwide and cause the global AIDS pandemic. However, the geographic distribution and regional incidence varies. HIV type 1 subtype B predominates in Europe, North America, Australia and Japan. For this reason, they are included in the detection test.
HIV type 2 (HIV-2) is similar to HIV-1 in structure, genetics, cell and tissue tropism, in vitro cytopathology. They do not differ significantly in the ways of transmission (sexual, blood, pre- and perinatal), as well as in their ability to cause AIDS. HIV-2 is endemic in West Africa, less commonly in North America and Europe.
Early after HIV infection but before seroconversion, the HIV core protein, p24 antigen, can be identified in patients. HIV Ag/Ab Combo uses anti HIV-1 p24 antibodies as reagents to identify HIV-1 p24 antigen, thereby reducing the window period and improving early detection of HIV infection. The key immunogenic protein for serodetection is viral transmembrane protein (TMP). Antibodies against TMP are the main ones that appear first during the period of seroconversion of HIV-infected individuals and remain predominant during the asymptomatic and symptomatic stages of HIV infection. ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo elicits antibodies to HIV-1 groups M and O, and HIV-2 using five recombinant proteins and two synthetic peptides derived from the native TMP sequence of HIV-1 groups M and O, and HIV-2.
*Caution:
a positive result requires confirmation by another method, the test is unsuitable for newborns of mothers with AIDS (transmission of antibodies from mother to fetus) up to 18 months of age, unsuitable for screening blood products for donation.

Sample required:

Venous blood

Key words:

HIV Ag/Ab Combo