A point-of-care PCR test for HIV-1 detection in resource-limited settings

Sujit R. Jangam*, Abhishek K. Agarwal, Kunal Sur, David M. Kelso

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

A low-cost, fully integrated sample-to-answer, quantitative PCR (qPCR) system that can be used for detection of HIV-1 proviral DNA in infants at the point-of-care in resource-limited settings has been developed and tested. The system is based on a novel DNA extraction method, which uses a glass fiber membrane, a disposable assay card that includes on-board reagent storage, provisions for thermal cycling and fluorescence detection, and a battery-operated portable analyzer. The system is capable of automated PCR mix assembly using a novel reagent delivery system and performing qPCR. HIV-1 and internal control targets are detected using two spectrally separated fluorophores, FAM and Quasar 670. In this report, a proof-of-concept of the platform is demonstrated. Initial results with whole blood demonstrate that the test is capable of detecting HIV-1 in blood samples containing greater than 5000 copies of HIV-1. In resource-limited settings, a point-of-care HIV-1 qPCR test would greatly increase the number of test results that reach the infants caregivers, allowing them to pursue anti-retroviral therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)69-75
Number of pages7
JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics
Volume42
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 5 2013

Keywords

  • Assay card
  • Fast isolation of nucleic acid
  • HIV-1
  • Point-of-care
  • QPCR
  • Resource-limited settings

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biophysics
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Electrochemistry

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