False-positive results of enzyme immunoassays for human immunodeficiency virus in patients with uncomplicated malaria

J Clin Microbiol. 2006 Aug;44(8):3021-4. doi: 10.1128/JCM.02207-05.

Abstract

Malaria may impact upon human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test results. We evaluated two HIV enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) by testing 1,965 Ugandans with malaria. We found poor positive predictive values (53% and 76%), particularly with younger age. Combining EIAs eliminated false positives but missed 21% of true positives. Performance of HIV EIAs in malaria may be unsatisfactory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Serodiagnosis*
  • Age Factors
  • False Positive Reactions
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques*
  • Malaria / complications*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Uganda