Improved HIV-1 incidence estimates using the BED capture enzyme immunoassay

• DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e3282f2a960
• Publication Date: 2009-03-05T14:10:22Z
• Authors: John W Hargrove; Jean H Humphrey; Kuda Mutasa; Bharat S Parekh; J Steve McDougal; Robert Ntozini; Henry Chidawanyika; Lawrence H Moulton; Brian Ward; Kusum Nathoo; Peter J Iliff; Ekkehard Kopp
• Keywords: Seroconversion

Objective: To validate the BED capture enzyme immunoassay for HIV-1 subtype C and to derive adjustments facilitating estimation of incidence from cross-sectional surveys. Design: Laboratory analysis archived plasma samples collected in Zimbabwe. Methods: Serial 85 women who seroconverted during postpartum year were assayed by used estimate window period between seroconversion attainment a specified absorbance. incidences prior recruitment calculated applying technique HIV-1-positive at baseline 12 months. Results: The mean an absorbance cut-off 0.8 was 187 days. Among positive retested months, proportion (ε) 5.2% (142/2749) had < months falsely identified as recent seroconverters. Consequently, estimated annual (7.6%) 2.2 times contemporary prospective estimate. adjusted ε 3.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.6–4.5], close 3.4% prospectively. Adjusted 6.0% (95% CI, 5.2–6.9) and, like estimates, declined with maternal age. Unadjusted estimates largely independent age; pooled 58% higher than incidence. Conclusion: method can be African setting, but further are required, using large variety circumstances, before its general utility gauged.