Application of the polymerase chain reaction for the detection of HIV in specimens from newborn screening programs

The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) permits detection of HIV proviral DNA in the universally collected "dried blood spot specimens" of newborn screening programs. Detection of HIV proviral DNA among the annual cohorts of seropositive specimens from ongoing anonymous newborn HIV seroprevalence studies can provide a laboratory-based estimate of maternal-infant transmission rates. Preliminary data suggest that maternal-infant transmission rates may be higher in areas where the newborn seroprevalence rates are highest.