ICMR Study Finds Decentralised HIV Viral Load Testing

Research in Pune, conducted by the ICMR-National Institute of Translational Virology and the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), focuses on enhancing access to HIV viral load testing as part of efforts to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. The study investigates the feasibility of using the GeneXpert machine, already employed for tuberculosis testing, for HIV viral load tests. Additionally, it examines whether dried blood spot samples can serve as an alternative for testing, given the challenges of transporting plasma samples.

Dr. Suchit Kamble, the study’s principal investigator, noted that both testing methodologies appear to be feasible. The importance of this research is underscored as findings coincide with World AIDS Day (December 1), contributing to the global target of achieving viral suppression for 95% of individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Monitoring high viral loads is crucial, as maintaining a viral load below 1,000 copies/ml indicates effective treatment and reduces HIV transmission risk.

Currently, monitoring for those on ART is handled through a network of 80 reference laboratories linked to over 760 ART centers. The existing process requires about 10-12 days to yield results due to transportation delays, highlighting the need for point-of-care testing options. Experts suggest that adopting decentralized testing methods can facilitate quicker diagnosis and treatment adjustments for individuals living with HIV.