[Morphologic HIV demonstration in formalin embedded material--techniques, problems, results]

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Virology
• Immunohistochemistry

Context:

• Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archival specimens are valuable for retrospective studies.
• Detecting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in various tissue types presents diagnostic challenges.
• Advancements in molecular and immunological techniques are crucial for accurate HIV detection.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy of different techniques for detecting HIV in FFPE archival specimens.
• To compare immunohistological methods, in situ nucleic acid hybridization, and DNA-Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HIV detection.
• To assess the suitability of these methods for identifying both active and latent HIV infection.

Summary:

• Immunohistological techniques with new antibodies reliably detect HIV-infected cells in the proliferative phase on tissue sections.
• In situ nucleic acid hybridization can identify HIV in the expression phase on paraffin-embedded material but struggles with latent infections.
• DNA-Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) successfully detects latent provirus in morphologically defined areas of FFPE autopsy samples, including lymph nodes and eyes, necessitating strict contamination controls.

Impact:

• Establishes FFPE archival material as a viable resource for morphological HIV detection.
• Highlights the strengths and limitations of various HIV detection methods in FFPE tissues.
• Provides a foundation for improved diagnostic strategies for latent HIV infection in archival research.