In: Biology
How do retroviruses impact western blot for HIV
Western Blot test is a Gold standerd confirmatory test. When tested combines with ELISA specificity>99.9%.The principle of western blot test is HIV viral antigen are seperated as gp160,gp120,p66,p55,gp41,p31,p24,p17 and p15.interpretation depends on presence /absence of reactivity to specific antigens.The interpretation of western blot is the antibodies in the serum should react with at least two of folloing antigens:-
[ gp 160/120 if doesnot meet ]
[ gp 41 requirement , marked ]
[ p 24 as indeterminate ]
NEGATIVE WESTERN BLOT:- Absence of any reactivity to the bands is declared as negative. False positives are rare.All doubtful results should be reported as negative.
Limitation of western blot test:- If not designed for HIV 2 inclusion ,we miss HIV2 infections. Can give indeterminate results in PREGNANCY, AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF TETANUS, TOXOID, AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS.
In the western blot the various HIV specific recombinant or synethetic antigen are adsorbed on to nitrocellulose paper. the antibody when present attaches to the antigen on the strip and the antigen antibody complex is then dectected using enzyme conjugate and substrate. This is similar to what is done in an ELISA test, except that the product is insoluble.Western blot test dectect the presence of antibodies aganist specific HIV proteins, which are seems as bands on test strip. western blot tests are highly specific conformational test.