Assay of plasma samples representing different HIV-1 genetic subtypes: an evaluation of new versions of the amplicor HIV-1 monitor assay.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Assay of plasma samples representing different HIV-1 genetic subtypes: an evaluation of new versions of the amplicor HIV-1 monitor assay.

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 1999 Jul 1;15(10):889-94. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/99335210
Alaeus A; Lilja E; Herman S; Spadoro J; Wang J; Albert J; Department of Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, Karolinska; Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. annette.alaeus@inf.ds.sll.se

Abstract: Quantification of plasma HIV-1 RNA levels has rapidly become the main tool for monitoring disease progression and treatment. However, some first-generation assays do not accurately quantify all HIV-1 subtypes. This study compares the first-generation and two newer prototype Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor assays (Roche Diagnostic Systems) in terms of their performance in quantifying HIV-1 RNA in stored plasma samples from 101 individuals infected with various genetic subtypes of HIV-1 (28 subtype A, 18 B, 26 C, 20 D, 2 E, 3 G, 2 H, and 2 J). The HIV-1 subtype had previously been determined by direct sequencing of the V3 domain of the env gene. The results from the three assays agreed for subtypes B and C, as well as for most subtype D samples. In contrast, the first-generation assay reported significantly lower plasma HIV-1 RNA levels than did the two newer versions of the assay for most subtype A, E, G, and H samples. There were no differences in mean plasma HIV-1 RNA levels between individuals infected with subtypes A, B, C, and D if the results from the two newer test versions were used, and if an adjustment was made between subtypes for differences in CD4 count. Thus, this study confirms that the first-generation assay does not accurately quantify HIV-1 RNA levels in many individuals infected with subtype A, E, G, and H. These problems appeared to have been greatly reduced in the two new prototype versions.

Keywords: JOURNAL ARTICLE Evaluation Studies Genotype Human HIV Envelope Protein gp120/*GENETICS HIV Infections/BLOOD/DRUG THERAPY/*VIROLOGY HIV-1/CLASSIFICATION/*GENETICS Peptide Fragments/*GENETICS Prospective Studies *Reagent Kits, Diagnostic RNA, Viral/*BLOOD Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Variation (Genetics) Viral Load
991130
A99B1085

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