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The clinical utility of viral quantitation using molecular methods
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania 19104, USA. hodinka@email.chop.edu
Clinical and Diagnostic Virology
|July 1, 1998
Summary
Accurate viral load quantitation is now possible using molecular assays like PCR and NASBA. These methods are crucial for understanding viral diseases and guiding patient treatment effectively.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Virology
- Clinical diagnostics
Background:
- Quantification of viral nucleic acids in biological fluids is increasingly important.
- Various quantitative molecular procedures have been developed for this purpose.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review current literature on molecular techniques for viral nucleic acid quantitation.
- Assess the clinical applicability of these methods.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular assays including quantitative PCR, bDNA, NASBA, SHARP signal, and hybrid capture systems.
- Focus on assays with target and signal amplification.
Main Results:
- Accurate and precise quantitation of viral burden is achievable with current molecular assays.
- These methods facilitate understanding of viral pathogenesis (e.g., HIV, HBV, HCV).
- Viral load quantitation aids in assessing disease progression, monitoring therapy, and predicting treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Precise, accurate, and reproducible viral load quantitation is now feasible.
- Molecular assays for viral quantitation will significantly impact medical research and clinical care.