HIV Molecular Diagnostics: Recent Developments and Emerging Trends

Zarafshan  Amjad; Aroosh Shabbir; Zarafshan  Asjad; Kushaf  Mohsin

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v76i3.13312

Authors

Zarafshan Amjad Department of Microbiology, The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB)/University of Lahore, Lahore Pakistan
Aroosh Shabbir Department of Microbiology, The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB)/University of Lahore, Lahore Pakistan
Zarafshan Asjad Department of Microbiology, The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB)/University of Lahore, Lahore Pakistan
Kushaf Mohsin Department of Microbiology, The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB)/University of Lahore, Lahore Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v76i3.13312

Keywords:

Antigen Rapid Test, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Polymerase Chain Reaction, Point of Care Testing, Viral Load

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus is a member of the Retroviridae family's Lentivirus genus. Only humans are infected with HIV and it is passed from one person to the next. It is not spread by insect bites, mosquitoes, bats, or any other kind of animal. The diagnosis of HIV can be done by polymerase chain reaction, HIV qualitative nucleic acid assays, HIV RNA load assays, Antigen rapid test, Point of care testing, Nucleic acid sequence based amplification, HIV genotypic drug resistance testing, Alere q test, and viral load assay. Molecular methods such as PCR, real-time PCR, and genotyping are critical for the diagnosis and management of HIV in Pakistan. These techniques allow for their early detection, monitoring of their viral load, and testing for drug resistance, which can guide treatment and surveillance strategies. However, limited access, expensive costs and a lack of training hinder their use in Pakistan on a mass scale. Nucleic acid amplification test plays significant role in detection of HIV infection by providing HIV microorganism masses and by antiviral resistance. Modern diagnostic techniques are investigating novel therapeutic approaches and helping to lower the number of HIV diagnoses. HIV diagnosis has significantly improved through such diagnostic methods as western blot, PCR, quick test, Enzyme immunoassay and p24 antigen. Vaccines and antiretroviral medication are both attractive options for preventative and therapeutic regimens, respectively. The development of CRISPR/Cas9 represents a significant advancement in the treatment of HIV. In this review the molecular approaches for the diagnosis of HIV will be discussed.

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