Validation of Rapid Tests for the Serological Diagnosis of HIV in 9 to 24 Months Old Children

Antiretroviral therapy of the mother and of the newborn associated with alternative schemes of breastfeeding can reduce these transmission rates to 1%. The diagnosis of HIV infection in newborns is based on PCR for detection of viral genetic material, a procedure that is expensive and of complex logistics. Tests based on detection of antibodies are faster and cheaper but cannot distinguish infected child or maternal antibodies passed to the fetus through the placenta. Nevertheless, the so-called rapid tests have been implemented in the network of health services because of their simplicity and performance comparable to conventional tests. DPP HIV 1/2 test, produced by Bio-Manguinos/Fiocruz, usage is limited by the manufacturer to over 24 months of age children, though the guidelines control programs already recommend the use from 18 months in Brazil and 9 months in other countries. Data on the accuracy of the rapid test under 24 months of age are scarce. This proposal aims to assess the performance of rapid tests produced by Bio-Manguinhos in diagnostic protocols for HIV infection in children 9-24 months old, in order to obtain empirical data to support the current recommendations on rapid tests, particularly in countries with limited access to tests that require specialized laboratories. The validation of rapid HIV testing in other age groups is a requirement of the national regulatory authorities, and has important implications for programs to control HIV-AIDS in populations from countries with limited access to specialized laboratory resources. The use of the rapid test can also represent a significant reduction in costs, as it allows limiting the use of molecular tests to complex and expensive confirmation cases.