Quantitation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA in cell-free cervicovaginal secretions: Comparison of reverse transcription-PCR amplification (AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR 1.5) with enhanced-sensitivity branched-DNA assay (Quantiplex 3.0)

Two commercially available hypersensitive assays for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA quantitation, AMPLICOR HIV-1 Monitor Test 1.5 and Quantiplex HIV RNA 3.0, were compared to detect and quantify HIV-1 RNA in the cell-free fraction of cervicovaginal secretions collected by vaginal wa shing. Three panel specimens were used: pooled cervicovaginal secretions sp iked with HIV-1 subtype A or HIV-1 subtype B and cervicovaginal lavages fro m HN-positive and HIV-negative,women. Compared to the AMPLICOR HIV-1 Monito r Test 1.5 assay, the Quantiplex HIV-1 3.0 assay yielded higher estimates o f HIV-1 RNA concentrations in several tested samples spiked with HIV-1 RNA subtype A, as well as subtype B, particularly samples containing low amount s of HIV-1 RNA, The sensitivity and specificity of the AMPLICOR HIV-1 Monit or Test 1.5 assay were 93 and 100%, respectively; the sensitivity and speci ficity of the Quantiplex HIV RNA 3.0 assay were 97 and 50%, respectively. I n conclusion, in quantifying HIV-1 RNA in cervicovaginal secretions, the Qu antiplex HIV RNA 3.0 may lack specificity, and the AMPLICOR HIV-1 Monitor T est 1.5 assay, although highly specific, may lack sensitivity.