Progress in HIV-2 detection methodology

Abstract

Laboratory test is the routine method of diagnosis, monitoring and blood screening of HIV infection, and main basis for early diagnosis of AIDS. HIV is divided into HIV-1 and HIV-2 subtypes, HIV-1 infection is the major cause of AIDS pandemic, while HIV-2 infection occurs in limited areas in the world, mainly in West Africa. HIV-2 infection has been reported in China since 1998. They are sporadic cases, and mainly HIV-1/HIV-2 mixed infections. There are less concerns about HIV-2 detection in China at present, and domestic HIV-2 detection reagents have not come into the market. At present, the detection method of HIV-2 is mainly antibody test and nucleic acid test. The initial screening is through rapid test and other methods and the confirmation is depended on Western Blot and Line Immune Assay. According to the HIV antibody test results, HIV-2 infection is confirmed. With the rapid development of molecular biology, the diagnostic method of nucleic acid detection laboratory has made great progress.