Resumo

OSPINA O, SIGIFREDO. Diagnóstico de la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana Diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus. Infect. [online]. 2006, vol.10, n.4, pp.273-278. ISSN 0123-9392.

HIV infection and AIDS, have been known, followed and controlled due to availability of diagnostic tests. An opportune diagnostic test in an asymptomatic patient might represent a good number of years with a high quality of life for an infected patient. HIV infection tests stands on the basis of the recognition of virus in a culture, or the presence of P24 antigen, the antibody response or detecting viral DNA. Currently, the available tests offer good specificity and sensitivity. After the pre-test assessment, diagnostic approach begins with a screening test that should be followed by a confirmatory test like Western blot. In the case of children younger than 18 months, molecular tests are needed. A current review of the diagnostic methods is presented, showing not only the known advantages but also the disadvantages and limitations of these tests.

Palavras-chave : HIV; diagnosis; screening test; confirmatory test.

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