The amount of HIV Viral Core-Protein in the blood of patients is determined by p24 antigen.

Appeared in: MP CHO - 2022

Explanation

The p24 antigen is the core protein that forms the capsid of the HIV virus.
It is one of the earliest detectable markers of HIV infection, appearing in the blood before antibodies are formed.
Fourth-generation ELISA tests are designed to detect both the p24 antigen and HIV antibodies, reducing the diagnostic window period.
Detection of p24 antigen is a direct measurement of the presence of the virus itself.

Option B: p25 is not the designated name for the primary core protein of HIV used in diagnostic testing.
Option C: p28 is not the correct designation for the HIV core protein used as a diagnostic marker.
Option D: p53 is a human tumor suppressor protein, often called the 'guardian of the genome'. It is not a component of the HIV virus.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing HIV Diagnostic Markers helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
The ability to test for the p24 antigen is clinically significant because it allows for earlier diagnosis of HIV compared to antibody-only tests.
Early diagnosis through 4th-generation tests enables prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which improves patient prognosis and reduces the risk of transmission to others.
What if? If a clinic only uses a 3rd-generation (antibody-only) test on a recently exposed patient, the result might be a false negative because the body hasn't had enough time to produce antibodies. A 4th-generation test could potentially detect the p24 antigen and confirm the infection earlier.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is about a specific diagnostic marker for HIV, specifically a 'Viral Core-Protein'.
Review the options provided. The options are different protein designations.
Recall the structure of the HIV virus and its key protein components. The core or capsid is made of the p24 protein.
Differentiate between viral proteins and other proteins. Recognize that p53 is a well-known human protein involved in cancer suppression, making it an incorrect choice for a viral component.
Evaluate the remaining options. p24 is the established and widely tested core antigen for HIV.
Conclude that the p24 antigen is the correct marker for determining the presence of the HIV viral core protein.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QHfclAh8WxetmsFMYPA9Jn

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1631-1633

E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 1 (1-214) p. 158-160

Practise the full MP CHO - 2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.