DETECTION OF HIV-1 PROVIRAL DNA IN SPERM FROM HIV-1-INFECTED MEN

Objective: Sexual transmission is a major mode of the spread of HIV-1, although the cellular and molecular mechanisms are poorly defined. In this study, we sought to assess the cellular reservoirs of HIV-1 prov iral DNA in the semen of HIV-1-infected men. Design and methods: An in situ polymerase chain reaction (IS-PCR), which amplifies specific gen es within intact cells, was used to evaluate levels of HIV-1 provirus in seminal cells from HIV-1-infected men in various stages of clinical disease. Results: Initial studies demonstrated HIV-1 provirus in rela tively low numbers (1:100 to 1:6000) of both the seminal mononuclear c ells and sperm from certain HIV-1-infected men. To extend these findin gs, 94 seminal samples from HIV-1-infected men were evaluated. HIV-1 p roviral DNA was detected in seminal cells of a significant percentage of HIV-1-infeeted men (45%) at all stages of clinical immunodeficiency . Both seminal mononuclear cells and sperm (35 and 33% of samples stud ied, respectively) harbored HIV-1 proviral sequences. HIV-1-harboring sperm are shown to stain positively for HIV-1 in the mid-pieces of the se cells, with rarer staining of the sperm heads. Conclusions: HIV-1 p roviral DNA can be demonstrated by IS-PCR in seminal mononuclear cells and sperm from certain HIV-1-infected men. The role played by provira l DNA in these cells in the sexual transmission of this retroviral age nt will require further study.