HIV 1-DNA PCR - Qualitative

Method: Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction

Clinical Utility : HIV DNA PCR is a test, which specifically detects proviral DNA integrated into the host genome. This latent proviral DNA serves as a reservoir for viral replication. The HIV DNA PCR test can detect this latent or inactive HIV virus.HIV DNA PCR is specially useful in following condition - 1. In neonates, where maternal antibodies persists upto 8 months,it is dufficult to differentiate between maternal & infant antibodies. 2. Window period (before Seroconversion)

Interpretation: Amplification of target specific bands indicate presence of HIV - 1 in the given specimen. A negative report indicates absence of HIV in the given specimen. All the results should always be correlated with clinical status & history of the patient. HIV DNA PCR is a screening test & should not be considered as confirmatory test.

Limitations
PCR is a highly sensitive technique common reasons for paradoxical results are contamination during specimen collection, selection of inappropriate specimens & inherent PCR inhibitors in the specimen.

Recommendation : At least 2 consecutive positive HIV DNA PCR reports over a period of 2-3 months is mandatory to confirm the HIV Proviral DNA status. HIV Proviral is not reliable for screening of HIV infection. Confirmation of HIV status needs to be done by standard serological method as described by local health guidelines.

References: 1. Journal of Infectious Disease 1996 173:68-76 2. HIV guidelines. New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute,2005 Note: This test is standardized & validated at SRL Limited.