“…Several comparative studies have shown that the sensitivity and specificity of viral load assays varies depending on HIV-1 group or subtype, especially in non-B subtypes, complex recombinant forms and groups O, N, and P viruses (Bourlet et al, 2011;Church et al, 2011 Geelen et al, 2003;Gottesman et al, 2006;Holguin et al, 2008;Katsoulidou et al, 2011;Plantier et al, 2009b;Rouet et al, 2010;Scott et al, 2009;Swanson et al, 2005;Swanson et al, 2006;Swanson et al, 2007;Tang et al, 2007;Wirden et al, 2009;Xu et al, 2008). However, the newer quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) methods (i.e., m2000rt Abbot Real Time HIV-1 Assay or Cobas AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan) showed a higher performance on HIV viral load testing of patients with subtype B as well as patients with non-B subtype infections (Bourlet et al, 2011;Church et al, 2011;Katsoulidou et al, 2011;Swanson et al, 2007;Tang et al, 2007).…”