PURSUING OF SEROCONVERSION FOR HIV
CASE REPORT
Aline S. G. Cabral, Fernando Balbino, Antônio L. T. Araújo,
Janete A. R. Vaz, Sandra S. S. Costa, Lídia F. A. Nery
Laboratório Sabin de Análises Clínicas – Brasília- Brazil.
INTRODUCTION
M. R. A. B., male, 34 years, sought the laboratory to conduct HIV testing. He had medical
request and risk factors consistent with HIV transmission epidemiology. This case is being
reported to alert the laboratory technical staff of the immunoenzymatic tests sensitivity and
late response of the confirmatory test recommended by regulation of the STD/Aids National
Program.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
For the first tests performed at April, 05/08, the results were: anti-HIV test Axsym – 8.79;
Modular – 7.87; Vidas – 11.09, and Western Blot - Negative (without bands). In April, 11/08, a
second test was requested and carried out at April, 17/08. Anti-HIV results were 6.71, 36.69,
12.5 for Axsym, Modular and Vidas, respectively. Four bands were detected in the Western
Blot - P25, GP160, P52 and GP41 which, according to confirmation criteria, were insufficient
for a conclusive diagnosis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
Ahead of such data, HIV viral load assay (real-time Nucleic Acid Based Amplification NASBA) was performed. As a result, 2,100,000 copies of viral RNA/mL were detected. This
high viral load is a characteristic of seroconversion. The physician reached the conclusion of
HIV infection due to the laboratorial information described above together with the
clinical-epidemiological history, independently of the of Western blot still-negative result.
Based on this case, we suggest that the confirmatory tests standardized by the government
should be revised by the authorities of the STD/Aids National Program.
REFERENCES
Procedimento Operacional Padrão Testagem anti- HIV Laboratório Sabin – POP IMU Anti
HIV ver 04.
Portaria 059/2003 Ministério da Saúde.