Detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 genomic RNA in plasma samples by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction

J Med Virol. 1991 Jun;34(2):89-95. doi: 10.1002/jmv.1890340204.

Abstract

An application of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to the direct detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viremia is described. The amplification of specific HIV-1 sequences of gag and env viral genes was carried out after the reverse-transcription of plasma samples (plasma RT-PCR) from seropositive subjects. The assay is faster and cheaper than detection of specific HIV-1 transcripts from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by RT-PCR. The data suggest that HIV-1 viremia is detectable by plasma RT-PCR in a large proportion of seropositive individuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Genes, env / genetics
  • Genes, gag / genetics
  • HIV Infections / blood
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Seropositivity / blood
  • HIV-1 / genetics*
  • HIV-1 / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / microbiology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Proviruses / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / blood*
  • RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism
  • Viremia / diagnosis*

Substances

  • RNA, Viral
  • RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase