Evaluation of the MUREX∗ICE HIV-1.O.2 capture enzyme immunoassay for early identification of HIV-1 seroreverting infants in a developing country

Abstract

Background: A simple, inexpensive serological assay is required for the early determination of HIV infection status among infants born to HIV-1-seropositive women in developing countries.

Objectives: To evaluate the use of a commercially available capture enzyme immunoassay (EIA), the MUREX∗ICE HIV-1.O.2, for the early identification of seroreverting, uninfected infants.

Study design: Infants with a clearly defined HIV-1 infection status, as determined by polymerase chain reaction results and/or seroreactivity at 18 months, were tested for antibodies to HIV. The time to seroreversion using the capture EIA was compared with the results obtained using an indirect assay, the GENELAVIA MIXT EIA.

Results: Seroreverting infants were identified earlier with the capture than the indirect EIA; all of the uninfected infants were seronegative at 12 months with the capture EIA while 100% seroreversion was only seen at 18 months with the indirect EIA.

Conclusions: In general, the capture EIA identified seroreverting infants 3–6 months earlier than the indirect EIA. However, caution must be exercised in interpreting seroreactivity in a breast-fed population where HIV infection may occur in a child who has previously seroreverted.