Document 2687
 DOCN  M94A2687
 TI    A fast, simple and visual HIV antibody test in Zambian sera/plasma.
 DT    9412
 AU    Musonda RM; Kaetano L; Chizu C; Mluanda F; Tropical Diseases Research
       Centre, Ndola, Zambia.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):248 (abstract no. PB0421). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94369888
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a simple/rapid test for detection of
       antibodies against HIV-1/HIV-2 in patients sera and donors in Zambia.
       METHODS: A total of 202 serum/plasma from successive, unselected
       patients attending antenatal (ANC), gynaecology (gyea), medical,
       sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic, medical check-up and blood
       donors and 10 unknown sera from CDC were tested for antibodies against
       HIV using the following HIV Test kits: (i) Capillus HIV-1/HIV-2 direct
       latex agglutination (ii) Recombinant HIV-1/HIV-2 Rapid Test Device (RTD)
       (iii) HIV-Spot HIV-1/HIV-2 (iv) Wellcozyme HIV Recombinant (ELISA)
       VK56/57 (v) Wellcozyme HIV-1/HIV-2 ELISA VK54/55 and Western Blot as
       final criteria for positivity and negativity. RESULTS: Of the 212
       serum/plasma samples tested 63 sample were confirmed HIV antibody
       positive. The sensitivity of the all five tests was 100% and 98% for
       Wellcozyme VK56/57. However, only the Capillus and the RTD gave 100%
       specificity and positive predictive value but the rest of the kits gave
       specificity ranging from 98-86% and the Wellcozyme HIV-1/HIV-2 ELISA
       gave the lowest positive predictive value. The Capillus was the
       simplest, fastest test kit and no need for extra equipment, consumables,
       power supply, or well trained manpower or technician. DISCUSSION AND
       CONCLUSIONS: The Capilus latex agglutination test is suitable for both
       small and large volume testing of blood samples/plasma/sera, for
       emergency testing of blood donors, for sentinel surveillance or for
       patients inclinical setting such as STD clinic where HIV testing and
       counselling could be promptly implemented. Therefore, the Capillus test
       kits is recommended for use in most countries in sub Saharan Africa
       where the standard screening procedures are impractical or not available
       or where the cost of buying an ELISA reader, a washer and equipment and
       supplies of HIV testing can exceed the annual budget of the whole
       hospital laboratory.
 DE    AIDS Serodiagnosis/*METHODS  Blood Donors  Blotting, Western
       Comparative Study  *Developing Countries  Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent
       Assay  Female  Human  HIV Antibodies/*BLOOD  HIV
       Seropositivity/*DIAGNOSIS/IMMUNOLOGY  HIV-1/*IMMUNOLOGY
       HIV-2/*IMMUNOLOGY  Male  Predictive Value of Tests  Pregnancy  Zambia
       MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).