Low Sensitivity of ELISA Testing in Early HIV Infection

Abstract

To the Editor: During seroconversion to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, or HTLV-III/LAV), we have noted a "window period" of low sensitivity with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as compared with confirmatory serologic assays. The following two cases illustrate the clinical relevance.A patient at high risk for exposure to HIV presented with mononucleosis-like symptoms and a roseola-type rash. Since acute HIV infection and subsequent seroconversion have been reported to present at times with these signs or symptoms,^{1 , 2} suspicions were high that the patient's symptoms were due to HIV infection. A previous serum sample was available, and serum samples were drawn . . .