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Harald H. Kessler

Molecular detection of human immunodeficiency virus: where do we stand? Molekularer Nachweis des humanen Immunschwächevirus: Aktueller Stand

Keywords: automation, donor screening, human immunodeficiency virus, molecular diagnostics, standardization, therapy monitoring, window period

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges worldwide. Today, many diagnostic laboratories have implemented assays based on molecular techniques for the detection of HIV. Detection of primary HIV infection, however, still relies on serologic testing, except for the screening of blood and plasma donors, which is done by the use of molecular assays. Additionally, molecular methods are employed for the detection of vertical transmission and monitoring of patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy. Although a continuous improvement in assay performance has been observed during recent years, the lack of comparability of different molecular assays remains a problem. Moreover, a better standardization of molecular assays for the detection of HIV-1 group O and HIV-2 must be addressed in the future.

LaboratoriumsMedizin, Walter de Gruyter

Print ISSN: 0025-8466
Volume: 29, 01/2005
Pages: 44 - 49

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