A sensitive viral capture assay for detection of plasma viremia in HIV-infected individuals.
Human immunodeficiency virus was detected in the serum/plasma of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after capture of virions on microparticles coated with monoclonal antibodies to external and transmembrane proteins of HIV-1. We analyzed serial samples obtained from 6 individuals who seroconverted, 18 asymptomatic, and 12 AIDS patients. HIV-1 RNA was detected in all (29/29) seropositive samples and in 6 seronegative samples immediately preceding seroconversion. In contrast, HIV antigen was detected in 13/29 (45%) of seropositive samples. HIV-1 RNA was also detected in 3 antigen-negative samples from one individual 8-5 months prior to seroconversion and in one sample from another person 2 days before antigen positivity. The intensity of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) signal paralleled the concentration of HIV antigen. Conversely, seropositive HIV antigen-negative samples gave a weaker PCR signal. HIV-1 RNA was detected in 10/18 (60%) samples from asymptomatic, HIV antigen-negative, individuals and in 11/12 (92%) specimens obtained from AIDS patients. The viral capture method may provide a sensitive, specific, and semiquantitative means of detecting circulating HIV at all stages of infection.
Henrard
D R
DR
Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL 60064.
Mehaffey
W F
WF
Allain
J P
JP
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000382:microbiology*; D005784:Gene Amplification; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24 / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D054303:HIV Reverse Transcriptase; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000032:analysis*; D014766:Viremia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014771:Virion / Q000235:genetics
D016655:HIV Core Protein p24; D012367:RNA, Viral; D054303:HIV Reverse Transcriptase; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase