PCR-based assay to quantify human immunodeficiency virus type 1 DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

An assay that quantifies the amount of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells has been developed, PCR a mplification of the HIV-1 DNA is performed in the presence of an internal q uantitation standard, and colorimetric detection of the amplified product i s performed with micron-elf plates. The copies of HIV-1 DNA are normalized to total genomic DNA input. The assay has an analytical sensitivity of 10 i nput copies per amplification reaction and a three-log detection range, In an analysis of sequential samples from patients on combination therapy, HIV -1 DNA aas quantifiable for all individuals tested, including those with un detectable plasma HIV-1 RNA In a separate study, a comparison of HIV-1 DNA levels was made with a group of long-term survivors and progressors, The me an HIV-1 DNA levels were loner in the long-term survivors than in the progr essors (P, 0.04). The mean HIV-1 RNA levels were also lower, but the differ ence was not statistically significant (P, 0.164). ri quantitative DNA assa y will provide an additional tool to gain insight into the natural history of infection and the continued efficacy of potent antiretroviral therapies.