HIV Resistance Sensor

HIV is a global problem

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has spread worldwide since the 1980s and is estimated to have cost nearly 40 million lives. Despite medical progress and declining death rates, more than 1.2 million people died in 2014 alone as a result of their HIV infection.

HIV is transmitted through contact with body fluids such as blood, in which the virus can enter the body through small wounds, for example. The most common route of infection is unprotected sexual intercourse.

The impact of genes on the risk of infection

Although there is no one hundred percent protection against HIV infection, not all people are at the same risk of actually contracting the virus if they come into contact with it.

Depending on their genetic predisposition, there are sometimes considerable differences that can either significantly reduce or increase the risk of infection. An analysis of the relevant genes makes it possible to assess, to which of these groups a person belongs.

How our HIV Resistance Sensor works

For our HIV Resistance Sensor, our laboratory analyses the CCR5 gene relevant to the HIV infection risk. We are also investigating around 40 gene variants concerning the efficacy of 30 drugs.

The test can be used to determine whether a patient is highly or very unlikely to be infected with HIV and what treatment might be required.

Once the test has been successfully completed, we summarize our test results in a precise written evaluation.

In this way, our HIV Resistance Sensor can help to determine the individual risk of infection with HIV and provide valuable information on the correct treatment.