Detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 by a highly sensitive and specific polymerase chain reaction method

Abstract

A sensitive and specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay was developed for detection of a single copy of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) sequence. The different methodologies for preparation of clinical DNA samples were evaluated. The DNA extracted by the Ficoll-Histopaque method gave the best quality for PCR. DNA samples equivalent to 18 μl or less of blood from HIV-1 seropositive individuals were positive by this assay. This procedure should be suitable for early diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in many clinical situations.