In New York City, HIV-2 infection occurs mainly among patients who were born in Africa; however, in many cases, the diagnosis is initially missed.
HIV-2 infection is found most frequently in West Africa but has also been reported in many other parts of the world. Because HIV-2 is rare in the U.S., many physicians do not consider the diagnosis, and this can have important clinical ramifications. Missing the diagnosis completely can delay treatment, and misidentifying the virus as HIV-1 can lead to inappropriate treatment, because nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are not active against HIV-2.
In New York City, public health officials have implemented a variety of measures to facilitate diagnosis of HIV-2 infection, including routine surveillance, direct communication with clinicians, and a comprehensive testing algorithm for suspected cases. Specimens that are repeatedly po…
Reviewing Authors
Omobolaji Campbell-Yesufu, MD
Omobolaji Campbell-Yesufu, MD
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)