Researchers, including one of the Indian-origin, have developed a new test that can detect 'hidden' HIV virus faster, less labor-intensive and less expensive than the current 'gold standard' test. HIV virus once inside body is not detected by good card antigen-antibody tests or western blot or ELISA test and even PCR test easily if in window period which may last from 21 days to 2 yrs in late responders.
So to detect such hidden and the dormant virus is really a challenge as HIV is only AIDS as symptoms of disease develops which may be late as from usual 8 to 10 yrs to 20 yrs in few patients.So detection after 3 wks to 2 yrs and clinical disease after 10-20 yrs and if a patient on ARV virus may not be detectable but still, the virus is present in some cells so a lifelong treatment is advised as if treatment is stopped recurrence is common. A Professor at the University of Pittsburgh in…
