Evaluation of GBV-C / HVG viremia in HIV-infected women

Author(s)

Synara Araújo Silva ^[1] ; Célia Lima Rodrigues ; Aléia Faustino Campos ^[3] ; José Eduardo Levi

Affiliation

^[1] University of São Paulo. School of Medicine. Department of Infectious Diseases - Brasil

^[3] University of São Paulo. School of Medicine. Department of Infectious Diseases - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo; v. 54, n. 1, p. 31-35, 2012-02-00.

Abstract

The present study aimed at standardizing a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay to evaluate the presence of GBV-C/HGV RNA. A "TaqMan" assay using primers and probe derived from the 5¢ NCR region was developed and validated. Two hundred and fifty-three plasma samples from HIV-infected women were tested for GBV-C viremia and antibody against the envelope protein 2. GBV-C RNA was detected in 22.5% of the patients whereas the antibody was identified in 25.3% of the cohort. Detection of viral RNA and of antibodies was mutually exclusive. Viral loads showed a mean of 1,777 arbitrary units / mL, being 1.1 and 13,625 arbitrary units / mL respectively the lowest and highest values measured. We conclude that the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction method developed is appropriate for the investigation of GBV-C RNA since it was shown to be highly specific and sensitive, as well as requiring few steps, preventing contamination and providing additional information as to the relative viremia of carriers, a parameter that must be included in studies evaluating the co-factors influencing the clinical outcome of HIV/AIDS. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 05/01072-9 - GB virus C/HGV and prognosis on HIV infected women
• Grantee: José Eduardo Levi
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants