Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by either HIV-1 or HIV-2 or by both. They are mainly transmitted by unprotected sexual contact, exposure to infected blood through hypodermic needles, blood transfusion, from mother to foetus and through breast feeding. Belonging to the retrovirus class, both HIV1 and HIV 2 share many similarities including their basic gene arrangement, mode of transmission, intracellular replication pathways and clinical consequences: both resulting in AIDS. However, HIV-2 is characterized by lower transmissibility and reduced likelihood of progression to AIDS. In terms of epidemiology, HIV-2 remains largely confined to West Africa, whereas HIV-1 extends worldwide.

Q-Lisa HIV, a third-generation qualitative enzyme immunoassay is based on Indirect ELISA in which a 96 well plate is pre-coated with recombinant HIV antigens: envelope proteins gp41, gp120 of HIV I and gp36 of HIV 2. Q-Lisa HIV 3rd Generation ELISA detects all types of antibodies against these HIV Antigens. It is intended for screening blood donors before transfusion and the individuals at risk for HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection or both, in a clinical lab setup.