[health menu] XI International Conference on AIDS
July 7-12, 1996

Zekeng L., Tsague J.M.,
Afane Ze E., Nyankiye E.,
Mpoudi E., Abbenyi S.A., Kaptue L.
Unite De Lutte Contre 1e Sida,
Bp. 155 Yaounde, Cameroon

Gurtler L.
Max Von Pettenkofer Institut, Munich, Germany

Mo.C.1475

HIV-1 Group O Infection in Cameroon

Objective

To determine the prevalence of HIV-1 group 0 infection in Cameroon and to compare it to that of HIV-1 group M.

Methods

Sera was collected in several cities (Yaounde, Douala, Bertoua, Limbe, Banka) among selected groups including: pregnant women (PW) (anonymously); patients consulting in STD clinics (STD) (anonymously); patients attending tuberculosis units (TB) verbal consent; commercial sex workers (CSWs) (anonymously); students from high school (Stu) (Systematic screening); individuals from general population (GP) (anonymously). Specimens were tested for antibodies to HIV1 and HIV2 using Enzygnost HIV1/2 plus (Behring) (EIA 1+2).

Repeatedly reactive sera were retested by Enzygnost HIV1 competitive assays (Behring) (EIA 1). HIV-1 group 0 infection was suspected when the sera was EIA 1+2 positive and EIA I negative or borderline (ratio CO/OD<5). Confirmation was done by HIV-1 group 0 specific western blot (in house strips with MVP 5180 strain) and V3 loop peptides ELISA (Ant70 and MVP 5180).

Results

Overall, 4500 specimens were screened during the last 14 months. Cases of HIV2 were found. The overall prevalence of HIV-1 group 0 infection was 0.6 % (ranging from 0 to 2 %) and accounting for 5 % of all HIV infection. The reactivity was mostly Ant70 like. Risk groups for HIV-1 group 0 appear to be similar to those of HIV-1 M infection (STD, CSWs, TB).

Conclusion

The global AIDS epidemic is spreading in Cameroon. Extended studies should be carried out nationwide to know the extent of HIV-1 group 0 and to monitor its trends.

Dr. L. ZEKENG
AIDS Control Program
P.O. Box 155 Yaounde, Cameroon
Tel: 237/30-67-78/20-71-85; Fax:237/23-02-96

XI Int. Conference on AIDS abstracts... [health menu] [main menu]
Created: July 16, 1996
Last modified: July 17, 1996
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