Evaluation of HIV Viral Load Activity at the Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory in the University Hospital Center of Brazzaville

Abstract

Introduction: The bacteriology-virology laboratory of the teaching university hospital of Brazzaville, was equipped with a real-time PCR device like Miniopticon (Biorad®, France). The aim of this work was to do an evaluation of the HIV viral load activity, with a view to proposing some recommendations. Material and methods: Retrospective study, January 2013 to March 2015, in patients on first line ARV three-therapy, pre-inclusion therapy checkup in HIV positive patients, but again screening after sexual abuse in women or accident of exposure (AES). A blood sample on EDTA tube was made and RNA extraction with Qiagen kit. Ultrasensitive HIV-RNA quantification was performed using the Generic HIV real-time PCR assay (Biocentric®, Bandol, France). Results: 126 patients were included. The mean age was 37.63 years +/− 10.43 years, sex ratio F/H = 2.3. The HIV viral load was detectable in 94 cases (74.6%). Concerning patients with detectable viral load (copies/ml): 403 to 996 in 35 cases (37.23%), 1411 to 1812 in 41 cases (43.62%) and >1814 in 5 cases (5.32%) (therapeutic failure). Conclusion: This work reports success in the setting up of the molecular biology unit. Procedures that implement information and education actions on the risks associated with AES must be disclosed.