Sensitive detection of genetic variants of HIV-1 and HCV with an HIV-1/HCV assay based on transcription-mediated amplification.

This paper describes a comprehensive study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genotype sensitivity of the transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)-based HIV-1/HCV assay, developed and manufactured by Gen-Probe Incorporated (San Diego, CA) for screening human plasma specimens in blood bank settings. The TMA HIV-1/HCV assay is a qualitative, in vitro nucleic acid testing system used for initial screening. HIV-1 and HCV discriminatory assays are used to distinguish between HIV-1 and HCV infection or co-infection.

Diagnosis of rubella virus infections. II. A comparison between incident and transmitted light fluorescence for the detection of specific IgM antibodies.

The fluorescence obtained with an incident light system is higher than that obtained with a transmitted light system. Examination time is reduced and the strain on the eyes, after long periods, is reduced. However, the results are the same whatever the system used.

Diagnosis of rubella virus infections. I. A comparison between Vero and BHK-21 cells for the detection of specific IgG and IgM antibodies by immunofluorescence.

Vero cells were more suitable then BHK-21 cells for the detection of rubella-specific IgG antibodies because the nonspecific fluorescence was minimal. However, BHK-21 cells were found more sensitive than Vero cells for the detection of rubella-specific IgM antibodies.

Limitations of immunofluorescence tests in the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis.

The relative value of heterophil agglutinins (HA) and of specific EBV antibodies in the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis (IM) was assessed in 108 cases of the disease and in 280 controls. Among the 108 cases 93 were HA-positive by sheep cells in at least one of their sera, while 15 were HA-negative by the same test. Among the 280 controls false-positive HA tests were not encountered except in eight cases with the horse cell microtitre tests.