Relationship between Western blot band profile of human immunodeficiency virus antibody and recent human immunodeficiency virus infection

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relationship between Western blot (WB)band profile of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody and recent HIV infection. Methods A total of 294 newly reported HIV-infected patients who were confirmed by WB were included and their serum samples were tested by BED HIV incidence capture enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA). The differences of WB band profile were compared between patients of recent infection and established infection, which were compared with 95 acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. LSD test and chi square test were used for statistical analysis. Results The mean antibody intensities in patients with recent infection were lower than those of established infection. The mean intensity of p31 in recent infection was the most different compared to established infection and AIDS, which were 1.32, 2.80 and 2.19, respectively (F=127.25, P=0.000). The lack ratios of p66, p55, p51, gp41 and p31 in recent infection were higher than those of established infection and AIDS. The lack of p31 was found in 28 of the recent infections, 0 of established infections and 1 of AIDS, which were statistically different (χ2=54.70, P=0.000). Reactivity with all the bands was the most commonly observed WB pattern, which occurred in 49.1% (191/389) patients. The gp160+ gp120+ p24 WB pattern was the most frequently observed in recent infection (6 cases), and was not observed in established infection. Conclusion The changes of WB band profile of HIV antibody is related to recent HIV infection. Key words: HIV; Blotting, Western; Recent infection