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Edgar Makona [ Profil ] |
| Sujet: |
New HIV testing technology to reduce the window period
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Sep 24th, 2009 - 09:54:29 |
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Kenyans will now be able to know if they picked up a HIV infection within
two weeks, following the opening of a pathology laboratory offering a newer
testing technology called 4th Generation HIV ELISA test.
Nationally, early detection of infections will enable tracking of sexual
contacts more easily, thus determining when and possibly by whom infection
was transmitted. This is because it will be easier for individuals to
remember their contacts in the two weeks or so.
Identification and interventions could also help to in decreasing
transmission, since high viral loads, which occur during early infection,
are associated with increased transmission.
*Mothers*
The reduced window period has implications for diagnosis in infants in
terms of giving antiretroviral treatment to those babies who are infected by
their mothers, says Dr Ahmed Kalebi the pathologist in charge of Lancet
Kenya.
It will also be possible to detect multidrug resistant strains of TB within
less than a week.
Classified as Biosafety level 3 laboratory the facility is capable of
handling highly infections pathogenic organisms. Biosafety levels from 1 to
4 are used to classify laboratories in regard to the hazardous agents they
handle.
Higher biosafety levels imply higher levels of personnel and environmental
protection is required.
*Viruses*
Level 2 labs handle bacterial and viruses that are moderately hazardous in a
lab setting, such as Hepatitis, dengue fever, Salmonella, measles and HIV.
The facility, Lancet Kenya. becomes also the third such laboratory in the
country and also capable of testing for the H1N1 influenza. The other such
facilities are at the Kenya Medical Research Institute and the University of
Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases.
The enhanced bio-containment level 3 facilities handle mainly haemorrhagic
fevers, which cause severe or fatal disease in humans, and for which there
are no vaccines or drugs.
It is sure to be an important new resource for the East and Central African
region, which is short of facilities for the diagnosis and safe handling of
emerging but highly pathogenic microorganisms such as viral haemorrhagic
fever viruses.
*Mobile*
Currently, suspect samples from the endemic areas, or those taken during
epidemics in the region, are either assessed are shipped elsewhere.
"This will serve as a referral laboratory for regional clinicians from the
private and public sectors, previously sent to South Africa or Europe, says
Dr Kalebi.
Courtesy of Nation Media
--
Edgar Dearn Makona
East Africa Regional Focal Point
Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS
Starwood Apartments, Hurlingham, Nairobi, Kenya
P. O. Box 14907 | Tel: +254 733 465396 | +254 20 2433573
edgar (at) youthaidscoalition.org
www.iAIDS.org | www.youthaidscoalition.org
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