Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1993. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Quantitation and characterization of human immunodeficiency virus nucleic acid in AIDS patients by using the polymerase chain reaction.
Diss Abstr Int [B]; 52(7):3415 1992. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/93682470 Dickover RE; Univ. of California, Davis
Abstract:
The objectives of this research are to develop and implement a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA in AIDS patients (pts). PCR provides us with a method that is both exquisitely sensitive and specific and, thus, perfectly suited to the characterization of the amounts and the forms of HIV nucleic acid in pt peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The sensitivity, specificity and efficiency of the PCR for HIV DNA were determined using a variety of primer pairs and their corresponding oligonucleotide probes. The results showed that 30 cycles of PCR followed by hybridization with radioactive probes can detect as few as 5 copies of HIV in a total of 1 ug of carrier DNA. Amplification of serial dilutions of HIV DNA generated an exponential standard curve to which the results from pt DNA could be compared in order to determine the original starting concentration of viral DNA in these samples. Application of the quantitative PCR assay to PBMC DNA from infected pts showed the presence of significant amounts of HIV DNA. Quantitative PCR on sequential samples from pts receiving zidovudine (AZT) therapy showed no decrease in HIV DNA levels over a 6-mo period. These results indicate that AZT cannot eradicate the viral DNA from the pt, which may be one reason behind the failure of AZT to cure HIV infection. In a third study characterizing the form of HIV nucleic acid in pt PBMC, both high and low mol wt types of viral DNA were found. Levels of low mol wt, or unintegrated, HIV DNA were highest among pts who were not receiving antiviral therapy or who had been treated for 6 mo or longer. Most pts who had received antiviral therapy for 2 wk or longer had very little to no unintegrated HIV DNA in their PBMC. This suggests that levels of unintegrated HIV DNA may serve as a marker for viral replication and the development of drug resistance in vivo. (Full text available from University Microfilms International, Ann Arbor, MI, as Order No. AAD91-37119).
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*GENETICS DNA, Viral Gene Amplification *Genes, Viral Human HIV/*PHYSIOLOGY Leukocytes, Mononuclear/PHYSIOLOGY *Polymerase Chain Reaction Virus Replication THESIS 930228
M9320873
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1993. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
