Relevance of a combined HIV antigen/antibody assay to detect early HIV infections in a low prevalence population: case reports.

The AxSYM HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay (Abbott) has proven to possess excellent sensitivity on seroconversion samples. Since its introduction in Sweden and Norway approximately one year ago, eight cases of acute HIV infections were found earlier compared to assays detecting only antibodies either to screen or to confirm an HIV infection. Data of the presented cases indicate that the early detection of primary HIV infection is of benefit to the individual patient and may reduce further spread of the disease. The impact of HIV combo assays on screening and diagnosis in a low prevalence population is discussed.