Field accuracy of fourth-generation rapid diagnostic tests for acute HIV-1

Lewis, J. M., MacPherson, P. , Adams, E. R., Ochodo, E., Sands, A. and Taegtmeyer, M. (2015) Field accuracy of fourth-generation rapid diagnostic tests for acute HIV-1. AIDS, 29(18), pp. 2465-2471. (doi: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000000855) (PMID:26558545) (PMCID:PMC4645957)

Abstract

Introduction: Fourth-generation HIV-1 rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) detect HIV-1 p24 antigen to screen for acute HIV-1. However, diagnostic accuracy during clinical use may be suboptimal. Methods: Clinical sensitivity and specificity of fourth-generation RDTs for acute HIV-1 were collated from field evaluation studies in adults identified by a systematic literature search. Results: Four studies with 17 381 participants from Australia, Swaziland, the United Kingdom and Malawi were identified. All reported 0% sensitivity of the HIV-1 p24 component for acute HIV-1 diagnosis; 26 acute infections were missed. Specificity ranged from 98.3 to 99.9%. Conclusion: Fourth-generation RDTs are currently unsuitable for the detection of acute HIV-1.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: MacPherson, Professor Peter
• Authors: Lewis, J. M., MacPherson, P., Adams, E. R., Ochodo, E., Sands, A., and Taegtmeyer, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: AIDS
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• ISSN: 0269-9370
• ISSN (Online): 1473-5571
• Published Online: 18 November 2015
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
• First Published: First published in AIDS 29(18): 2465–2471
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence