Comparative evaluation of NASBA HIV-1 RNA QT, AMPLICOR-HIV monitor, and QUANTIPLEX HIV RNA assay, three methods for quantification of human immunodeficiency virus type I RNA in plasma

Three commercial assays for quantifying plasma human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA were evaluated. The assays differed in their sample volumes, the means of preparing samples, and methods of amplification and detection. Plasma samples were obtained from 36 HIV-1-infected patients representing all stages of HIV-1 infection and were analyzed as coded specimens. Measurement of HIV-1 RNA baseline levels revealed no significant difference in sensitivity between the three assays. The assays were also applied to the quantitation of HIV-1 RNA levels in the plasma of patients who mere changing their antiretroviral therapy. The changes measured in HIV-1 RNA levels in plasma in response to therapy were comparable by the three assays. No close correlation was found between the amount of HIV-1 RNA and the CD4 T-cell count; HIV-1 RNA assays were more sensitive than p24 antigen assays as an indicator of plasma viremia. Overall, the study demonstrates that all three quantitative assays for HIV-1 RNA can be used to measure the HIV-1 RNA copy number representing the HIV-1 viremia status in patients with HIV-1 infection. Since this copy number is likely to be useful in monitoring the effectiveness of antiviral therapy, these quantitative assays for HIV-1 RNA are ready to be built into clinical trials.