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

61 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

Funding

This study was supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in Global Health Grant number 37774. The funding source was not involved in study design, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, in the writing of the report, and in the decision to submit the article for publication.

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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