This invention relates to a method for the detection and diagnosis of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), ARC (AIDS-related complex) and pre-AIDS conditions in body fluids by the use of a chemically synthesized peptide comprising peptides containing about twenty-one amino acids according to the formula: Arg-Ile-Leu-Ala-Val-Glu-Arg-Tyr-Leu-Lys-Asp-Gln-Gln-Leu-Leu-Gly-Ile-Tr p-Gly-Cys- Ser, analogues thereof and segments thereof. The peptide has an amino acid sequence corresponding to a segment of the envelope protein, p41, of HTLV-III and has been found to be highly immunoreactive with antibodies in sera of patients with AIDS, ARC and pre-AIDS conditions. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the use of a chemically synthesized peptide containing therein a segment of about twenty-one amino acids, or their analogues, in a prescribed sequence for the detection of antibodies to the HTLV-III virus in human body fluids of AIDS, ARC or pre-AIDS patients. The detection method includes an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an immunoradiometric assay (IRMA), and other forms of immunoassay procedures, such as enzyme immuno blotting assay on nitrocellulose paper and hemagglutination assay, using the peptide as the antigen. The preferred detection method is ELISA. The present invention also relates to a vaccine and a method for generating antibodies to HTLV-III in healthy mammals, including humans, by the use of the chemically synthesized 21mer peptide or its analogues.
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