Objective: To evaluate the amplification rate and the lowestlower detection limit of an in-house HIV-1 Drug resistant (HIVDR) genotyping test.
Methods: A total of 30 plasma samples were selected, which covered all major HIV-1 subtypes predominating prevailing in China (B', CRF07_BC, CRF01 _AE). The viral loads of the 30 selected samples were detected in triplicate by Easy Q method and the average values were taken as the viral loads of the samples. Each sample was diluted to the concentration of > 1000 copies/ml, 401-1000 copies/ml, 101-400 copies/ml, 50-100 copies/ml and < 50 copies/ml with HIV-negative plasma. After extraction of nucleic acids, RT-PCR and nested PCR amplification were performed, the efficiency of amplification of each subtype and the minimum detection limit were determined statistically based on the PCR results.
Results: The viral loads of the selected samples ranged from 2.03 x 10(2)-5.92 x 10(4) copies/ml. The sample of 50-1000 copies/ml have a high amplification rate (86%).
Conclusion: The In-house method for HIV-1 drug resistance genotyping has a high sensitivity with a high successful amplification rate, especially in the samples with low viral load. This method can be used to the detection of drug-resistant virus and to provide scientific data to treatment options for patients.