Neonatal HIV: Sensitivity and Specificity

Introduction: The diagnosis of neonatal HIV is usually made with DNA PCR (as opposed to with adults). Obviously, HIV antibodies will be positive in all children born to HIV positive monthers. HIV RNA may be negative if the mother is on HAART despite newborn infection - however, the DNA PCR (which detects integrated provirus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells) should still be positive.

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The sensitivity and specificity of findings for Neonatal HIV are listed below. See the left navigation bar to change the display.

Sensitive and Specific Findings

Finding	Sensitivity	Specificity	Comments, Study
HIV RNA PCR Duplicate	100%	100%	at 2 months HIV subtype E; mothers were treated with prenatal AZT Study: J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2000 Aug 15;24(5):401-7. PMID 11035610
HIV DNA PCR Duplicate	95%	97%	months 1-36 of age Study: J Pediatr 1996 Aug;129(2):198-207. PMID 8765616

Specific Findings

Finding	Sensitivity	Specificity	Comments, Study
HIV RNA PCR Duplicate	79%	100%	days 8-28 of life not affected by mother or infant AZT treatment Study: J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2003 Feb 1;32(2):192-5. PMID 12571529
HIV RNA PCR Duplicate	47%	100%	day of birth HIV subtype E; mothers were treated with antenatal AZT Study: J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2000 Aug 15;24(5):401-7. PMID 11035610

Sensitive Findings

Finding	Sensitivity	Specificity	Comments, Study
HIV DNA PCR Duplicate	Sensitivity = 93%		at day of life 14 Study: AIDS 1995 Sep;9(9):F7-11. PMID 8527070

Poorly Diagnostic Findings

Finding	Sensitivity	Specificity	Comments, Study
HIV DNA PCR Duplicate	Sensitivity = 38%		at day of life 0-1 Study: AIDS 1995 Sep;9(9):F7-11. PMID 8527070