Application of dried blood spot specimens for serologic subtyping of humanimmunodeficiency virus type 1 in Thailand

Dried blood spot (DBS) specimens were assessed as an alternative to plasma for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) serotyping by V3 loop pepti de enzyme immunoassay. Nested PCR capable of distinguishing HIV-1 subtypes B and E was used as the reference standard. Ninety-two percent of DBS sampl es were typeable as either HIV-1 subtype B or E. Serotype results with DBS and plasm;! were identical for 254 of 257 specimens. A simple DBS collectio n method provides a convenient alternative for conducting HIV-1 serotype pe surveillance while retaining sensitivity and specificity.