different hiv strains

how many different strains of hiv is there ?

would an elisa test cover them all

[Teak]

ELISA test looks for antibodies and it doesn't matter what strain it is.

[ECN44120]

Elisa like teak said looks for antibodies, and the antibodies the human body produces for hiv are pretty much the same for every strain, and would be picked up by the elisa or rapid test after the 3 month window period

[Frank303]

There is genetic variance in the constituent parts (surface proteins core protein...) of each subtype of virus and consequently genetic variance in antibodies to each antigen.

However most ELISAs have a broad range of genetic antigen material in their reagents to attact a broad range of antibodies from all subtypes i.e. strains (but perhaps not all groups depending on the assay) and cause the reaction required to indicate a positive.

[Teak]

The variance are CRF's and are all picked up by the ELISA tests.

[Frank303]

There are variances in antibodies too which is why the immune system builds antibodies to each epitope from a selection of building blocks.
The genetic variance in antibodies isn't anything to be concerned about for the OP as the tests wil pick them up.

ECN, sorry I read that as 'the same' rather than 'pretty much the same'.

[kum123]

MEIA is also capabale as like ELISA. B'cos I have seen that we always talk about ELISA. Teak told me in post they are same.

What is the primary difference between MEIA and ELISA.

My undersatnding is ELISA is much sensitive than MEIA.

[Teak]

MEIA is an ELISA test. They are the same and no difference between the two, just by different names.  

[kum123]

I have given the test report here which says it is looking for

IgM antibodies, followed by IgG antibodies. Are these are different from normal Antibodies?

ACTUAL TEST RESULT:(Report)
==================

Test Name : HIV EARLY SCREEN
Result:
HIV P24 ANTIGEN NEGATIVE
HIV ANTIBODIES   NEGATIVE    

HIV EARLY SCREEN( They have given below test after the above result)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In infection with the human immunodeficiency deficiency virus, during the transition from the earliest proviral stage to replicative infection, the first antigen to be elaborated and spill over into the plasma from the infected CD4+ cells in measurable quantities, is the p24 antigen. Hence in the window period, even prior to seroconversion, it is possible to detect the antigen in 64 69% of infected individuals. As the host immune system encounters the earliest human immunodeficiency virus antigens, the immunocompetent B lymphocytes react by mounting an antibody response resulting in the formation of antibodies against the HIV antigen. As in all early immune responses, the first antibodies to be formed by the host are the HIV1 or/and 2  IgM antibodies, followed by IgG antibodies.


HIV Antigen/Antibody Early Screen is a microparticle
enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) for simultaneous qualitative detection of antibodies to HIV virus type1 and /or type 2 (HIV1/HIV2)and/or HIV p24 antigen in human serum or plasma. Specimens that are initially reactive in the assay are retested for confirmation. Repeat reactivity is highly predictive of the presence of HIV1 and/or HIV2 antibodies and/or p24 antigen. However, as for all enzyme immunoassays, this test may yield nonspecific reactions. A repeatedly reactive specimen should be investigated further, either immediately or after a
period of three months, with a supplemental HIV specific test such as Western Blot (Immunoblot). A full differential diagnosis workup
for the diagnosis of HIV status and AIDS includes an examination of patient's immune status and a clinical history.

Test Method: Microparticle  Enzyme Immunoassay

------------------------------------

Can you please suggest this is normal Antibody test ( I am worried since they talk about   IgM antibodies, followed by IgG antibodies)

[Teak]

There has only been 10 documented cases of Group N and yes they were diagnosed by the ELISA test. Unless you have ever lived in Cameroon you have nothing to worry about as Group N is very rare even in Cameroon and the only place group N has ever been found.

[kum123]

What is meant by IgM antibodies, followed by IgG antibodies. What are these. Are they different from normal antibodies.

[Teak]

IgG. IgG antibodies are found in all body fluids. They are the smallest but most common antibody (75% to 80%) of all the antibodies in the body. IgG antibodies are very important in fighting bacterial and viral infections. IgG antibodies are the only type of antibody that can cross the placenta in a pregnant woman to help protect her baby (fetus).
IgM. IgM antibodies are the largest antibody. They are found in blood and lymph fluid and are the first type of antibody made in response to an infection. They also cause other immune system cells to destroy foreign substances. IgM antibodies are about 5% to 10% of all the antibodies in the body.

[kum123]

Thanks for the expalnation.

If you read my biggest statement in this thread ( Which I received from the lab with the result ). It says that they look for these antibodies (IgM antibodies, followed by IgG antibodies)

The Result says both p24 Antigen and Antibodies are negative.  

Does this test really looked for HIV antibodies or common antibodies. If they looked common antibodies how far this test can be treated as euqal to ELISA test.

Does the ELISA test for the same antibodies.

From you last answer I understood this test is not the right antibody test. Or I am getting your point wrong.

[LIZZIE LOU]

i dont understand...

you had condom protected vaginal "rubbing"...

you "think" they used a dirty needle to draw your blood...

you have had several elisa tests and a couple of pcr dna tests...and for what????

[ECN44120]

Your test was a 4th generation test, the latest technolody for antibody+antigen tets, it would have picked up all strains and variants.

[Brad_]

I agree 100%

[kum123]

I am back here for some clarification.

My doc asked me for Complete Liver Panel test including test for Hep B and C for upper abdominal pain which is there for many years. To my surprise my Hep B Anti-HBc came +postive also Anti-HBS psotive and my doc and people in this Hep B forum told me that this infection occured in past > 6 months. WHich I am surprised as never had any type sexual contact before. I reember I had two operations ( one for my nose and another for my tooth) and also two endoscopic and one chronoscopic exactly one year back.

Here my question is I have tested for HIV 1 and 2 ( Hiv Combo) NEGATIVE at 16 weeks  @ VCT in chennai and SrlRanbaxy for HIV1 and 2 and I am not sure what kit they use.

When I went for VCT center, I touched some sticky gel and used the same fingers to touch my nose ( i always have A SMALL bleeding nose). I am wondering  if the gel is some HIV + ones body fluid, should i worry about this? What is the risk?

I am asking this question is since this week after I went to HIV VCT and above incident, I have multiple sores in my mouth and countinous heay sweting during my sleep? SHould I worry about this?

i have never tested for o type?

you have really helped me a lot during all these days. but such these  incidents make meworry lot. i hvae not resumed my s.relation with my wife. b.cos of these.

i need youe help to understnd these risk please?

[Teak]

This is not an HIV concern. HIV is not transmitted in the manner you describe.

[kum123]

Thank you, teak.  My 4 months test is conclusive right?

I am just confused with HIV 1 Subtypes C and O. I am not sure my previous test included it. Shoudl I look for a test which include these two subtypes?

[Teak]

O is a group. C is a subtype of the M group. Yes your 4 months is conclusive.

[marinb]

Now that is just nonsence. If all the antibodies were the same, HIV vaccine would be available years ago.

[marinb]

I had negative test at 11 weeks and 14 weeks usin COMBO/DUO test. Is it 100% conclusive ? Should I move on ?

[Teak]

You never had an exposure and have been advised of it multiple time.

[marinb]

Okay, sorry XD