Question

Name the tests done for the diagnosis and confirmation of AIDS.

Answer 1

Hint: AIDS stands for Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome. It is defined as a deficiency that occurs in the immune system and is not inherited but acquired during the lifetime of an individual indicating that it is not a congenital disease. AIDS was the first reported in the USA amongst homosexuals and in the last years or so, it has spread all over the world killing more than twenty million people.

Complete step-by-step answer:
The AIDS is caused and spread by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a name given by the International committee on viral Nomenclature. This virus is considered to be the member of a group of virus called as the Retrovirus that is usually covered with an envelope consisting of a lipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane and projecting knob like glycoprotein spikes with pedicel formed of virus coded glycoprotein.
Diagnosis of AIDS: This is the widely used diagnostic test for AIDS is Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA). The western blotting test is employed for the confirmation of ELISA positive cases.
ELISA:
The ELISA is a most preferably and extremely sensitive test that is used to make sure the presence of the antibodies (Ab) or specific antigens (Ag).
The direct ELISA is a test that is used to check for the presence of the antigen. During this procedure the antibody is adsorbed to the inside of the well in a microtiter plate. The sample suspected of containing the antigen is added after raising to remove the excess antibody. The other step is performed that involves an enzyme linked Ab that can react with the specific antigens is added. In the case when Ag is put in the well, the enzyme linked Ab binds to it and is retained. The colourless substrate for the enzyme is added. The production and the formation of the color indicate the presence of the Ag.
After rinsing, to remove excess Ag the serum suspected of containing the Abs is added. The enzyme linked antibody capable of reacting with the constant region of other Abs is then added, followed by the addition of the colourless substrate. The development of the colour indicates the presence of the Ab being identified.
WESTERN BLOTTING:
The western blot test is used in the detection of the HIV in serum, saliva or urine. In this test HIV proteins are placed within the slab of the gel on a membrane patient's serum is applied to the membrane and the antibodies present in the serum get attached to the HIV proteins.
The antibodies that do not usually get detached and removed are discarded and enzyme linked antibodies with capabilities to attach to the person antibodies determine the HIV proteins on which the antibodies are bound. These attached antibodies are then studied and which determines the result of HIV which is associated with the AlDS

So for the detection of AIDS the test is western blotting.

Note: It is very important to clarify that HIV/AIDS is not spread by mere touch or physical contact. It spreads only through body fluids. Hence, it is imperative for the physical and psychological well being of the infected person, that they are not isolated from the family and society. There is always a time difference between the occurrence of infection by HIV virus and appearance of the AIDS symptoms. This period may vary from a few months to many years.