Comparative Analysis of Cell-Associated HIV DNA Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Peripheral Blood by Droplet Digital PCR

摘要: Background Measurement of HIV DNA-bearing cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is challenging because few are present. We present a novel application the sensitive droplet digital (dd)PCR this context. Methods We analyzed CSF cell pellets and paired peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) from 28 subjects, 19 whom had undetectable RNA (<48 copies/mL) both compartments. extracted DNA PBMC using silica-based columns used direct lysis on cells. host housekeeping gene (RPP30) were measured by (dd)PCR. compared levels virally-suppressed and-unsuppressed subgroups calculated correlations between compartments non-parametric tests. Results HIV was detected 18/28 (64%) pellets, including 10/19 (53%) samples with RNA. not correlated RPP30 (p = 0.3), but positively 0.04) 0.03). Cellular comparable RNA-suppressed unsuppressed subjects 0.14). In contrast, significantly lower than 0.014). Among detectable compartments, higher (p<0.001). Conclusions Despite low numbers CSF, most virally suppressed individuals. contrast to PBMC, suppressive ART associated cells, no ART, perhaps due poorer penetration, slower decay DNA, or enrichment into blood. Future studies should determine what fraction replication-competent leukocytes, PBMC.