Parallel Western blot analysis for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies: absence of HIV-2 infection in Italian subjects at risk for AIDS.

Since HIV-2 infection has been identified in some European countries, we investigated whether HIV-2 infection is present in groups of Italian subjects at risk for AIDS. Our results clearly indicate that the parallel Western blot assay for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies can detect HIV-2 infection, which is presently not epidemic in Italy. Careful examination of the serological data is mandatory before announcing the detection of HIV-2-infected patients.