DETECTION OF HIV-1 PROVIRAL SEQUENCES IN LYMPHOCYTES USING A QUALITATIVE POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION ASSAY

The performance and clinical relevance of a qualitative FOR-based assa y for the detection of HIV-1 DNA sequences in peripheral blood mononuc lear cells (PBMCs) was evaluated by two different laboratories. Four h undred and one samples were obtained from 397 individuals from differe nt risk populations. Ail blood donors tested had negative results; pos itive signals were obtained from all infected patients. HIV-1 DNA was detected in 3 of 17 infants born to seropositive mothers; Western blot indeterminate blood donors and exposed healthcare workers had negativ e results. Our results demonstrate that this PCR assay provides both s ensitive and specific results and is suitable for testing large number s of samples and for rapid identification of HIV-1 infection.