Advanced Combination Blood Test Detects HIV / AIDS Infection Soon

Discovered In 1981, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cause deadly Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS): Immune system in the human body alarmingly fails to fight life-threatening infections. 1 A blood test for HIV confirmed by detecting antibodies (molecules) or "HIV-Positive". Most "HIV-Positive" people acquired AIDS by having intercourse with an infected person (unprotected sex), transmitted to the fetus from the mother, drinking breast milk of an infected woman or sharing a needle infected with the AIDS virus. 2 Risk of getting AIDS through a blood transfusion is less than one in a million, since all donated blood in North America tested for HIV. 4 In 2008, estimated 33.4 million people around the world infected with HIV/AIDS, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (UNAIDS). "Recent analysis shows that there are about 5,500 people die every day due to AIDS caused 2 million deaths in 2008." A new advanced HIV test will soon be available, that will detect HIV / AIDS faster than conventional testing. Early detection will save countless number of lives and antiretroviral medication can be administered sooner (The daily medication can extend the lives of those infected with HIV or AIDS, however provides no cure 14). 3

On the surface of bacteria, pollen or viruses (including HIV) enter the human body as antigens. When the immune system detects antigens: Production of antibodies (proteins) is produced, directed to protect the body. 5 The production of these antibodies fight - off the infection, occurs days later.

In June 2010, the Food and Drug Administration approved Abbott Laboratories new early detection test:
Architect HIV ag/AB Combo assay, simultaneously detect both HIV antigen ("proteins produced by the virus" 12) and antibodies ('proteins produced by the body" 12). Significantly the new blood test detects HIV days earlier than current antibody-only tests (prior to detecting antibodies 13) and dependable for detecting antigens present in HIV among high risk populations. 6 The combination test will confirm the presents of HIV-1 (Most common HIV infection), and HIV-2 (Frequently reported in West African population and less reported cases in North America & Europe). 13 The combination test should be available by the end of 2010. 3

"Every nine and half minutes, someone in the United States is infected with HIV, and one out of every five three individuals doesn't know it. " 15 Early detection of HIV significantly saves lives, by educating those infected how to prevent contagiously infecting their partner or partners, during unprotected sex. When the infection is detected sooner, more likely antiretroviral treatment is more successful (Conventionally three or four drugs taken in combination for the treatment of the infection: Combination therapy 9). Medically antiretroviral treatment lessens the infection for transmission to others. 11 "Leading risk factors for HIV infection include male-to-male sexual contact, high-risk heterosexual contact and intravenous drug use." 8 The Architect HIV ag/AB Combo assay currently approved for use outside the United States. In public health places in Europe, HIV antigen-antibody combination testing is routine. (Approved in 2004 8). United Kingdom clinician guidelines direct HIV combination test as the first-line of test for verifying Human immunodeficiency virus. Peter Leone, MD, medical director, North Carolina HIV/STD Prevention and Control Branch, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill said: "Since individuals are most infectious to others shortly after infection, detection HIV earlier is critical and life saving." 7

The Architect HIV ag/AB Combo assay approved by the Food and Drug Administration: Detect HIV in pregnant women and children younger than two years old. 3

Diagnosis of HIV in pregnant women provides the best opportunity for starting treatment early, thus limiting transmission of the virus to their foetuses (unborn). 10 The combination test will be available for diagnostic use in clinical and public health laboratories. Abbott Laboratories spokeswoman Darcy Ross said the new combination test will cost about the same as the current HIV blood test. 3

The HIV combination test not effectively approved according to Abbott Laboratories for screening plasma, blood or tissue donors. 8

References:

1.) HIV - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV

2.) what is AIDS? - http://www.aidsinfonet.org/fact_sheets/view/101

3.) FDA approves new HIV test - "ARCHITECHT HIV Ag/Ab Combo Assay" - http://www.adi-news.com/fda-approves-new-hiv-test-%E2%80%93%E2%80%9Carchitect-hiv-agab-combo-assay%E2%80%9D/21305/

4.) KidsHealth - http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/infection/hiv.html#

5.) Antigen - http://www.mahalo.com/antigen

6.) FDA Approves Abbott Test that Detects both HIV Antigens and Antibodies - http://www.mahalo.com/antigen

7.) FDA Approves First-of-Its-Kind HIV Test Which Can Detect HIV Days Earlier than Current U.S. Tests - http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/recent/2010/0622_2010_e.html

8.) Blood test for early detection of HIV infection Archetect HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay under review in US - http://www.dancewithshadows.com/pillscribe/blood-test-for-early-detection-of-hiv-infection-architect-hiv-agab-combo-assay-under-review-in-us/

9.) Antiretroviral drug - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiretroviral_drug

10.) FDA approves more advanced HIV test - http://www.thestar.co.za/?fSectionId=&fArticleId=nw20100621223403301C640089

11.) Abbott's ARCHITECT - HIV Test approved by FDA - http://www.knowabouthealth.com/abbotts-architect-hiv-test-approved-by-fda/3410/

12.) Abbot Submits Early Detection HIV Test for FDA Approval - http://www.poz.com/rssredir/articles/abbott_early_hiv_test_fda_1_17921.shtml

13.) FDA Approves First HIV Diagnostic Assay - http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=117377

14.) Introduction to HIV and AIDS Treatment - http://www.avert.org/treatment.htm

15.) Abbott's (ABT) Gets U.S. FDA Approval for ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo Assay - http://www.streetinsider.com/FDA/Abbott's+(ABT)+Gets+U.S.+FDA+Approval+for+ARCHITECT+HIV+AgAb+Combo+Assay/5745113.html