Detection of human immunodeficiency virus DNA using the polymerase chain reaction in a well-characterized group of homosexual and bisexual men.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA was performed on specimens from 197 homosexual and bisexual men enrolled in studies of HIV-1 infection. Thirty cycles of amplification were conducted, followed by detection with probes corresponding to two gag primer pairs (SK 38/39 and SK 101/145). Of 107 men who were HIV-1 antibody-negative, 105 (98%) were PCR-negative. Two who were initially PCR-positive antibody-negative were PCR- and antibody-negative on repeat testing of both the same specimen and specimens drawn 8-10 months later; this suggests that the first PCR results were false-positive. Of 90 men who were antibody-positive, PCR was positive in 87 (97%), including all 13 with AIDS, all 22 with AIDS-related conditions, all 11 with generalized lymphadenopathy only, and 41 (93%) of 44 without signs or symptoms of HIV-1 infection. On repeat testing, all 3 PCR-negative, antibody-positive men were PCR-positive. In this population and with this technique, PCR had excellent agreement with the HIV-1 antibody test.
Lifson
A R
AR
Department of Public Health, AIDS Office, San Francisco, CA 94102.
Stanley
M
M
Pane
J
J
O'Malley
P M
PM
Wilber
J C
JC
Stanley
A
A
Jeffery
B
B
Rutherford
G W
GW
Sohmer
P R
PR
D001483:Base Sequence; D001727:Bisexuality; D015342:DNA Probes; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests
D015342:DNA Probes; D004279:DNA, Viral; D015483:HIV Antibodies