Document 0383
 DOCN  M9590383
 TI    Comparison of the Quantiplex HIV-RNA branched chain (bDNA) assay and
       RT-PCR for determining HIV RNA in plasma samples from HIV-infected
       subjects and correlation with CD4 count.
 DT    9509
 AU    Dunne AL; Dowton DN; Dwyer DE; Cunningham AL; Hoy J; Mills J; Crowe SM;
       Macfarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research, Fairfield.
 SO    Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1994 Nov 3-6;6:105 (unnumbered
       abstract). Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM6/95291716
 AB    AIM: As part of a QA program, we investigated the bDNA assay to
       determine its potential use in HIV quantitation of viral load. To
       confirm results, the same samples were quantitated by RT-PCR. Both
       quantitations were correlated with CD4 counts. METHODS: Patient (pt)
       plasma samples (n = 33) were prepared from blood collected from
       HIV-infected pts of various clinical stages attending Fairfield
       Hospital. These samples were stored at -70 degrees C and batch tested.
       The bDNA assay is based on signal amplification and involves specific
       capture of HIV RNA, amplification using bDNA and a chemiluminescent
       reaction. Viral RNA quantitation is determined by comparison to a
       standard curve. A lysed viral pellet was assayed by an in-house nested
       RT-PCR method using pol region primers. The results were compared to a
       standard curve. RESULTS: A good correlation was observed between CD4
       count and viral load as assessed by HIV bDNA assay, with pts with lower
       CD4 counts generally having higher HIV RNA in plasma compared to pts
       with higher CD4 count. In pts with < 200 CD4+ cells/microliters (n =
       19), a wide variation in HIV RNA levels was observed (from < or = 10,000
       to > or = 1,600,000 RNA equivalents/ml). For pts with 200-500 (n = 9)
       and > 500 (n = 5) CD4+ T-cells/microliters the viral RNA ranged from <
       or = 10,000 to 124,300 and < or = 10,000 to 23,700 RNA eq/ml
       respectively. Comparisons of RT-PCR with bDNA results, and with clinical
       disease status are underway.
 DE    Comparative Study  *CD4 Lymphocyte Count  DNA, Viral/*GENETICS  Gene
       Expression Regulation, Viral/PHYSIOLOGY  Human  HIV
       Infections/*DIAGNOSIS/IMMUNOLOGY  Polymerase Chain Reaction/*METHODS
       Predictive Value of Tests  Reverse Transcriptase/*GENETICS  RNA,
       Viral/*GENETICS  Virus Replication/GENETICS/IMMUNOLOGY  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).