A laboratory analysis of HIV-2 over a period of five years in a tertiary care hospital and review of literature

Abstract

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has rapidly spread all over the world. HIV- 1 is the most common type but the less spoken HIV-2 is present in many places including India. Methods: The data of HIV serological assays performed on serum samples at our hospital between the years 2006 and 2010 were analyzed with special reference to HIV-2. Results: A total of 47,876 serum samples were tested for HIV infection, of which 1537 were reactive for HIV antibodies. Among them, 1509 were HIV-1, 23 were HIV-2 and five were reactive for antibodies of both HIV-1 and HIV-2. Conclusions: HIV-2 exists in this part of India also. The overall HIV infection rate has decreased over the five year period in our hospital. Though the control measures appear to be effective, rigorous control measures must be continued without any place for complacence.