Detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 antibody by using commercially available whole-cell viral lysate, synthetic peptide, and recombinant protein enzyme immunoassay systems.

A total of 575 serum specimens received for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) antibody determination were tested prospectively by enzyme immunoassay with a whole-cell viral lysate (VL) (Genetic Systems Corp.), a synthetic peptide (SP) (United Biomedical, Inc.), and a recombinant protein (RCP) (Syva Co.). Concordance of all three antigens was noted for 559 of 575 (97.2%) specimens tested. Of the specimens tested, 90 (15.7%) were positive and 469 (84.3%) were negative. Retrospective testing by SP and RCP of 86 specimens indeterminate for HIV-1 antibody by VL, Western blot (immunoblot), and immunofluorescence was also performed. The results of both phases of this study indicate that the specificity of the three antigens is RCP greater than SP greater than VL. As noted from the prospective phase, the sensitivities of the antigens appear to be equivalent, indicating that the RCP and SP systems could be used in place of, or to confirm, a VL enzyme immunoassay screening test.