HIVmirror – DNA Test for People with HIV

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted June 18, 2007 in DNA Testing, DNA and Disease

In February earlier this year, Smart Genetics launched their first direct-to-consumer genetic test – HIVmirror. It analyzes the CCR5 Delta32 and CCR2-64I genetic variants previously shown to slow the progression of HIV infection to AIDS. The test is being marketed to HIV+ individuals for $99.

Studies have shown that people carrying a mutation in the gene that encodes the CCR5 protein on the surface of white blood cells, key cells in the immune system, are better able to resist HIV infection. Researchers have hypothesized that exposure to repeated plague outbreaks in Europe during the Middle Ages may have favored survivors with the CCR5 gene mutation. The CCR5 protein encoded by the mutated gene seems to prevent HIV from entering white blood cells and causing havoc in the immune system.

On average, 1 out of 5 individuals will have the CCR2-64I gene variant while 2-16% of individuals will carry CCR5 Delta32 depending on their ethnicity. The HIVmirror website states that knowing these genotypes should not change a person’s treatment, but may help to satisfy their curiosity.

While the test will not affect your treatment regimen, and you should continue to take all your medications no matter what the result, this genetic test can help your healthcare professional understand more about your body’s response to the virus. It can help them understand your unique situation and potentially help make decisions in the future.

HIVmirror can provide hope for some HIV+ individuals, but it also has the potential to give others despair. While some genetic tests like the deCODE T2 diabetes test are taken by people who haven’t developed the disease, HIVmirror is for those who have already been infected with HIV. As a former trained HIV/AIDS peer counselor, I believe these patients deserve a great deal of support and care. Here’s where an approach like DNA Direct (my current employer) that combines genetic counseling with private at-home DNA testing would be ideal.

NB: Speaking of DNA Direct, Lisa’s hosting Gene Genie #9: Genetics 2.0 at DNA Direct Talk. A lot of compelling reading and commentary.

Tags: smart genetics, hivmirror, at home dna tests, genetic testing, genetics, genes, dna genomics, hiv, aids, diseases, illness, health, medicine, ccr5, ccr2

(5 comments)

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5 Comments

Comment by Steven Murphy MD

2007-06-18 23:01:41

Wow, Hsien. I agree. These patients need sophisticated counseling. I wonder if any genetic counselors have had training in HIV counseling as well. This training would be a huge plus. Otherwise the consultation might be very limited. My best Genomic Counselor often commented on how she took family histories and found all sorts of heart disease, yet did nothing about it because she was a cancer counselor and was not equipped to handle CVD. I think this might be the same instance.

-Steve
http://www.thegenesherpa.blogspot.com

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Comment by Hsien

2007-06-19 20:52:54

I didn’t realize that genetic/genomic counselors felt comfortable only within their disease of expertise. I hope that they refer their patients for further counseling in cases where they don’t feel qualified to give advice!

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Comment by SF Girl

2007-06-19 06:23:10

You’re tagged! Check out my post at http://sfgirl-thealiennextdoor.blogspot.com/2007/06/thinking-blogger-award.html.

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Comment by Hsien

2007-06-19 20:53:25

Thanks, Nina!

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Pingback by HIV-Resistance Genes

2007-07-20 12:07:32

[...] month, I wrote about HIVmirror, a DNA test for people with HIV. HIVmirror tests for the CCR5 Delta32 and CCR2-64I genetic variants [...]

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