In 1986, 3 years after the discovery of HIV, a second virus called HIV-2 was in turn isolated. HIV-1 and 2 viruses represent 40% homology at the level of the membrane and 60% at the level of gag gens. Both viruses have the same mode of transmission, they attack the same targets: CD4 and both contribute to initiate AIDS.
The most significant infection sites are located in West-Africa (Guinea-Bisseau, Gambia, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso), in the Gulf of Guinea, Mozambique (where prevalence can reach 3% in some regions).
HIV-2 is relatively uncommon in Europe where it is responsible for less than 1% of the total of HIV infections.
GENERIC HIV-2 Charge Virale [RUO]
Generic HIV-2 Charge Virale test is a tool to quantify viral load of HIV-2 for research use only.
The test relies on two main technical stages:
1. Retroviral RNA extraction using mechanized or manual methods
2. Amplification by real-time PCR of a RNA extract
Features:
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Targeted region located at the level of LTR (Long Terminal Repeat) / gag
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Detection limit: 10 copies/mL for a 1 mL sample
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Linearity: 12.5 copies to 5E5 copies/mL
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Duration: 3 hours (extraction + amplification)
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Type of sample: plasma which is removed from anticoagulants (EDTA or sodium citrate)