Place des tests combinés dans le diagnostic biologique de l'infection par les virus de l'immunodéficience humaine

Abstract

Combined tests for screening of HIV infection. Since 1985, screening tests for human immunodeficiency (HIV) antibodies have improved. Replacement of viral lysat by recombinant proteins and synthetic peptides has increased sensitivity and specificity. In parallel, more and more sensitive screening tests for p24 HIV1 antigen (p24Ag) appear. Lastly, emergence of nucleic acid tests change the diagnostic strategy and follow-up of infected patients. Nevertheless, serology remains in the diagnostic of a HIV infection, particularly in a recently primary infection. Combined tests which screened HIV antibodies and detected HIV1 p24Ag are made on proved technology easily used in laboratory. They present a similar sensitivity that the classical non combined HIV antibodies screening tests. Improvements remain necessary in term of specificity and detection of HIV1p24 Ag.