Breakthrough in HIV Testing: Faster Results for Better Treatment
A groundbreaking study from ICMR-National Institute of Translational Virology and AIDS Research (NITVAR) in Pune has revealed that point-of-care HIV viral load testing using existing GeneXpert machines and dried blood spot samples could dramatically improve access to critical HIV monitoring across India.
The research, conducted in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), demonstrates that these innovative testing approaches can enable faster, decentralized diagnosis and timely treatment adjustments for people living with HIV.
Revolutionizing HIV Monitoring with Existing Infrastructure
The study focused on two key approaches: using GeneXpert machines already deployed for tuberculosis testing at district and sub-district levels, and implementing dried blood spot (DBS) sample testing at national reference laboratories.
Dr. Suchit Kamble, Scientist F and Principal Investigator of the study, confirmed that HIV viral load testing using plasma samples on the GeneXpert platform and DBS-based testing on the Abbott platform both proved feasible in practical settings.
This breakthrough is particularly significant because GeneXpert machines are already widely available across India through the National TB Elimination Programme, meaning the infrastructure for expanded HIV testing already exists at the grassroots level.
Addressing Critical Testing Delays
Currently, people living with HIV who are on antiretroviral treatment require routine viral load tests based on plasma samples. The existing system involves transporting these samples to specialized laboratories, creating significant delays.
Presently, NACO operates a network of 80 HIV viral load testing reference laboratories that serve more than 760 ART centers across the country. However, the average turnaround time for test results is 10-12 days, primarily due to transportation challenges and testing backlogs.
Dr. Manisha Ghate, Scientist G at NITVAR, emphasized that adopting decentralized HIV viral load testing will enable early diagnosis of virological failure and prompt changes in treatment regimens for individuals living with HIV.
Global AIDS Targets Within Reach
The timing of this research is crucial as World AIDS Day approaches on December 1. The findings provide evidence that could help India advance more rapidly toward global objectives of achieving viral suppression among 95% of people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy.
Dr. Kamble explained that a viral load below 1000 copies/ml indicates that antiretroviral therapy is working effectively to control the virus. Importantly, this suppressed viral load also means there is zero risk of transmitting HIV to partners when medication is taken as prescribed.
Dr. Sheela Godbole, Director of ICMR-NITVAR, highlighted that evidence from this study can accelerate progress toward viral suppression targets, benefiting both urban and rural communities across India.
The research represents a significant step forward in making advanced HIV care more accessible and responsive, potentially transforming the lives of millions of people living with HIV in India.
