While both types can cause AIDS, infection with HIV-1 is the primary cause of infection in the United States. HIV-2 is most prevalent in Africa. The origin of the virus remains unknown, and over the last decade, the HIV epidemic has assumed global proportions. The highest prevalence of HIV infection is among minorities and young adults in their late twenties and thirties. Today, we know that AIDS knows no gender, sexual orientation, ethnic, geographic or income specific boundaries.
Diagnosis is made by a positive Western Blot test.
Home HIV blood tests such as Confide also test samples by the Western Blot method. Antibodies to the HIV infection cannot be detected until 6 weeks to 6 months after infection. A urine HIV test, which is only available at physician's offices, is not as accurate, and any positive results must be confirmed by a blood test. By contrast, however, the OraSure Western Blot Kit is an accurate test for HIV antibodies. Prior to this time, newly infected persons have been carrying around an undetectable virus.