Question

At which stage of HIV infection, patient shows high titre of anti-P24 antibody?

• A. Primary stage
• B. Asymptomatic stage
• C. Relapsing stage
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Asymptomatic stage

Asymptomatic stage is a phase of AIDS during which there are no symptoms of HIV infection as viral replication is low. However during this phase, the infected person's immune system slowly deteriorates, but the person shows no symptoms. Much of the HIV-1 p24 antigen in the serum of HIV-1-infected individuals is complexed with anti-p24 antibody. p24 antigen is not readily detected in the asymptomatic stage because its concentration in serum is low due to low viral replication. Hence the patient shows a high titre of anti-P24 antibody. Thus the correct answer is option B.