Methods and reagents for molecular detection of HIV-1 groups M, N and O

Abstract

Reagents and assays for detecting HIV-1 groups M and O and optionally HIV-1 group N and SIVcpz are provided. The reagents are nucleic acid primers for the hybridization to, amplification and subsequent detection of HIV-1 groups M, N and O and SIVcpz in a biological sample. The primers are oligonucleotides that selectively hybridize to the highly conserved regions of the env and pol regions of HIV-1. Due to the high sensitivity of the assays, small concentrations of HIV in a biological sample can be detected, allowing diagnosis at an early stage of infection. The assays are qualitative or quantitative and are useful for viral load determinations of HIV-1 groups M, N or O in a patient undergoing treatment for HIV-1 infection. Viral load determinations can be used to monitor the progress of the treatment regimen, the development of drug resistance, and to predict disease progression.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.