New optimized DNA extraction protocol for fingerprints deposited on a special self-adhesive security seal and other latent samples used for human identification.

Obtaining complete short tandem repeat (STR) profiles from fingerprints containing minimal amounts of DNA, using standard extraction techniques, can be difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new kit, Fingerprint DNA Finder (FDF Kit), recently launched for the extraction of DNA and STR profiling from fingerprints placed on a special device known as Self-Adhesive Security Seal Sticker(®) and other latent fingerprints on forensic evidentiary material like metallic guns. The DNA extraction system is based on a reversal of the silica principle, and all the potential inhibiting substances are retained on the surface of a special adsorbent, while nucleic acids are not bound and remain in solution dramatically improving DNA recovery.

HIV-1 genetic diversity in Argentina and early diagnosis of perinatal infection.

HIV-1 diagnosis of perinatally exposed children is usually performed by molecular biology-based methods, allowing the direct detection of the virus. Thus, HIV-1 genomic variability within and across strains plays a major role in relation to the sensitivity of these tests, often leading to misdiagnosis. We describe the performance of an in-house multiplex nested PCR (nPCR) for early detection of HIV-1 infection in perinatally exposed children born in Argentina, where the percentage of diverse BF recombinants is as high as 80%.

Sequence analysis of a South American HIV type 1 BC recombinant.

We report the characterization of a near full-length sequence of a South American HIV-1 BC intersubtype recombinant, ARE195FL. This isolate contains a C(gag/pol) B(vpr/vpu/gp160(env)) C(gp41(env)/nef) mosaic structure differing from any BC full-length sequence described to date, and is the first full-length sequence obtained from a South American BC strain. Neighbor-joining analysis revealed that subtype C genomic segments of ARE195FL clustered with the South American group of subtype C strains, suggesting a local emergence of the BC recombinant.

High IL-7 plasma levels may induce and predict the emergence of HIV-1 virulent strains in pediatric infection.

Background: HIV-1 infection results in severe immunodeficiency when T-cell loss cannot be compensated. IL-7 is one of the main cytokines involved in the maintenance of T-cell homeostasis. However, IL-7 can also enhance HIV-1 replication in vivo and lead to an accelerated progression of AIDS.

Circulation of novel HIV type 1 A, B/C, and F subtypes in Argentina.

The Argentine HIV-1 epidemic is considered to be represented mainly by subtype B and diverse B/F recombinants, with apparent absence of pure subtype F. In this study we describe three novel HIV-1 variants isolated from four infants born in different and distant provinces of Argentina. Partial analysis of different gene fragments spanning 18.

Relevance of viral phenotype in the early AIDS outcome of pediatric HIV-1 primary infection.

In infants the clinical course of HIV-1 infection is bimodal, differing considerably from that of adults. The effect of HIV-1 phenotypic features and plasma viral load on the clinical course of infection has been well established in adults, whereas in children it remains controversial. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the effect of HIV-1 replication phenotypes during the first year of primary infection in the development of premature immunosuppression and early pediatric AIDS.