Human Immunodeficiency Virus – AIDS (HIV1) – Detection / Quantification
The HIV virus is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
HIV belongs to the category of retroviruses, viruses that have RNA as their genetic material. However, it has several differences from other retroviruses, the most significant of which is its rapid mutation rate (within the blood of a single patient, multiple different strains can be generated).
So far, two types of HIV have been identified: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of infections worldwide (approximately 90%) and also has the most mutations and subtypes. HIV-2, identified in 1986 and considered an earlier form than HIV-1, is found almost exclusively in West Africa, with a few cases in countries that have frequent contact with that region (such as France).
HIV-2 tends to be transmitted relatively less easily than HIV-1, and the disease progresses more slowly in HIV-2 carriers. HIV-1, responsible for the majority of infections worldwide, has about ten known subtypes and can also develop resistance to antiretroviral drugs administered to a patient.
Test turnaround time: 1 week
