Synthetic peptide and process of using same for the detection and diagnosis of AIDS and pre-AIDS conditions

摘要

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 composition is disclosed. The detection method may include an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which is preferred, an immunoradiometric asay (IRMA), or other forms of immunoassay procedures, such as enzyme immuno-blotting assay on nitrocellulose paper and hemagglutination assay using the peptide composition as the antigen. Inter alia, the present invention also relates to a vaccine and to a method for generating antibodies to HTLV-III in healthy mammals, including humans, by the use of the chemically synthesized peptide composition.