Low specificity of the Murex fourth-generation HIV enzyme immunoassay in Tanzanian adolescents.

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 January 2007
Country:
Tanzania
Document Type:
Journal Article
Theme:
Health
Authors:
Hayes, R., Watson-Jones, D., Changalucha, J., Weiss, H.A., Ross, D.A., Mabey, D.C., Everett, D.B., Anemona, A., Chirwa, T., Parry, J.V.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the specificity of the Abbott Murex HIV antigen/antibody combination enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the diagnosis of HIV infection in Tanzania. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 7333 Tanzanian adolescents and young adults was carried out. Sera testing positive by the Murex assay were further evaluated using a battery of other EIA which detect either antibody to HIV-1 or p24 antigen, and by PCR using pol primers. RESULTS: Of the 674 sera testing positive by the Murex assay, only 53 (7.9%) were confirmed. The specificity of the Murex assay was 91.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Serological tests for HIV may perform differently in different populations. New diagnostic tests should not be introduced into populations in which they have not been evaluated.

Citation

Tropical Medicine and International Health (2007) 12 (11) pp. 1323-1326 [doi:10.1111/j.1365-3156.2007.01933.x].

Low specificity of the Murex fourth-generation HIV enzyme immunoassay in Tanzanian adolescents.

Published 1 January 2007
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