Introducing HIVmirror™

We test your DNA for the CCR5 delta 32 and CCR2-64I genes by isolating DNA from cheek cells in your saliva. Simply deposit 3mls, approximately half a teaspoon of saliva, into the convenient sample collection device and close it. The kit includes an addressed pre-paid envelope. Use the envelope to mail the sample to the lab and you will receive your results in 3 weeks!

The results show how your CCR5-delta 32 and CCR2-64I gene types may effect HIV disease progression. We compare your gene types to individuals who participated in large studies that show the influence of these gene types on slower progression of HIV infection to AIDS. You are more likely to experience a similar rate of progression as other individuals who have your gene type.

No. This does not detect the presence of the HIV-1 virus.

Yes. This test is intended for individuals who are curious about their genetics and how it may effect HIV disease progression.

Yes. However, please be aware that this test does not tell you if you are immune to HIV-1. HIVmirror™ determines certain gene types and how they may effect HIV disease progression.

No. HIV resistance testing is a laboratory test to determine if an individual's HIV strain is resistant to any anti-HIV drugs.

The term AIDS refers to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. HIV attacks key cells in your immune system known as CD4+ white blood cells. CD4+ white blood cells are important because they trigger your immune system to create antibodies to fight off infections. HIV uses these CD4 cells to replicate itself, destroy the infected CD4 cells, and infect new CD4 cells. Once HIV depletes your CD4+ white blood cells, your immune system is prevented from working properly. This can ultimately lead to AIDS.

Scientists have determined that genetic variants influence the outcome of infectious diseases. Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, differences in the rate of disease’s progression have been observed in HIV-infected persons. Some persons progressed to AIDS rapidly and others progressed slowly. Many factors contribute to these various progression rates, including medical care and lifestyle. However, the most common and understood factor is a mutation in the gene that codes for a receptor the virus uses to enter our cells.

The process of HIV infecting our CD4 cells can be thought of as an intruder trying to enter your home. HIV requires a receptor a "doorway" to gain entry into our CD4 cells. It must bind receptors on the surface of our cells or open the "locks" to gain entry. The first "lock" is opened by binding to the CD4 cell receptor on our white blood cells. It then needs to open a second "lock" in order to open the "door" to CD4 cells and infect them. This second "lock" or receptor is called CCR5 (Chemokine receptor 5). Some people have been found to have mutations in the CCR5 gene that codes for this receptor. This mutated gene is called CCR5- delta 32. The CCR5-delta 32 mutation is missing 32 base pairs or pieces of genetic code. This mutation alters the structure of the receptor so HIV cannot efficiently open the "lock" and enter the cell.

Another mutation that has significant effect on HIV disease progression is found in the CCR2 gene. For the mutation CCR2-V64I, a G-to-A substitution in the coding region causes the amino acid valine to be replaced by another amino acid named isoleucine.

It takes three weeks or less after our lab receives your saliva sample.