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Published on: September 26, 2011
CMV retinitis in HIV-infected patients: Plasma viral load utility in diagnosis
Samia Benadda1, Nassima Achour2, Hanifa Ziane3
1Central laboratory, El Hadi Flici Hospital, Algiers, Algeria; Faculty of Pharmacy, Health sciences University,Algiers, Algeria.
Objectives:
This study evaluates the role of CMV plasma viral load in diagnosing retinitis among Algerian HIV patients.
Methods:
Simultaneous ophtalmologic examination and CMV plasma viral load testing were conducted for 40 HIV patients with vision issues. Plasma viral load kinetics was determined during treatment, and in case of persistent viral load, resistance genotyping was performed.
Results:
Viral load findings correlated with ophtalmic examination results in 75 % of cases. Four (04) retinitis cases had undetectable viral loads. Virological monitoring identified Algeria's first ganciclovir-resistant CMV strain.
Conclusion:
Plasma viral load testing is a valuable diagnostic tool but cannot replace ophthalmic examination. Quantitative PCR aids in effective virological monitoring and timely treatment initiation.
