USE OF THE IN-VITRO INDUCED ANTIBODY-PRODUCTION TEST (IVIAP) TO ELUCIDATE INCONCLUSIVE STATUS OF HIV-1 INFECTION

Studies have demonstrated the diagnostic usefulness of in vitro produc tion of virus-specific antibodies by peripheral blood mononuclear cell s (PMBC) from HN-infected subjects. We evaluated the IVIAP (in vitro i nduced antibody production) by lympocytes from peripheral blood of 30 adult patients. Samples included 10 patients with inconclusive status of HIV-1 infection on previous serologic screening (2 blood donors, 8 with high risk behavior), 10 AIDS patients (CDC II-IV), and 10 known s eronegative subjects. Positive IVIAP results were obtained on 2 of 10 inconclusive cases, earlier than seroconversion would demonstrate. The 8 remaining cases resulted in a negative outcome on IVIAP test, evert in 2 seronegative homosexuals presenting Kaposi's sarcoma. Results sh owed 100% concordance either with a clinical/serological follow-up don e after IVIAP tests or PCR performed for Kaposi's cases. Also, no fals e-positive or false negative was detected on control groups. We conclu ded that IVIAP could identify the real status of HIV infection in a sh orter time and with low cost compared to conventional serological meth ods currently available. The IVIAP test is easily performed so that ca n be considered as a routine supplemental test.