Virological Characterization of Dual HIV-1/HIV-2 Seropositivity and Infections in Southern Ghana
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2008
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ghana Med. Journal 42(1): 16-21
Abstract
Background: Dual HIV-1/HIV-2 seropositivity (dual
seropositivity) is common in West African countries
including Ghana. The diagnosis of dual HIV-1/HIV-2
infections is however complicated as HIV-2 DNA is
more often not detected in dual seropositive individuals.
Objectives: To detect the presence of HIV-1 and HIV-
2 pro-viral DNA in dual seropositives and to determine
the correlation between HIV-2 antibody titers and presence
of HIV-2 DNA. The growth kinetics of HIV-1
and HIV-2 in vitro were also determined using plasma
and lymphocyte cultures.
Design: Cross-sectional study
Setting: Urban and semi-rural HIV/AIDS clinics
Participants: 13 dual HIV-1/HIV-2 seropositives from
Agomanya and Accra
Results: HIV-1 DNA was detected in uncultured peripheral
blood mononuclear cells of all 13 patients but
HIV-2 DNA in 4 (30.8%). HIV-2 antibody titres were
not useful in determining the presence or absence of
HIV-2 DNA (P=0.28, Mann-Whitney U test). HIV-2
specific antibody was detected in 12 of the 13 dual
seropositives by peptide-inhibition, the only patient
with an Innolia gp36 band rating of 1+ was shown not
to be reactive. HIV-2 grew efficiently in the presence
or HIV-1 in vitro.
Conclusion: HIV-2 DNA may not be detected in all
dual seropositives thus not all of such patients may
need drugs effective against HIV-2. Peptide based assays
will be useful for correctly diagnosing dual seropositivity.
Since HIV-2 may grow efficiently in the
presence of HIV-1 and no commercial HIV-2 HIV
RNA tests are available, dual seropositives on HAART
need to be monitored to determine if a lack of immune
restoration may correspond to an efficient suppression
of HIV-1 RNA levels.
Description
Keywords
HIV-1, HIV-2, dual, seropositivity, infection, Ghana