Proviral DNA as a Target for HIV-1 Resistance Analysis

In summary, in this project the investigators propose to study the proviral DNA genotyping to implement a lower cost and wider than the commercial systems currently in use, in order to analyze all HIV genes that are therapeutic targets of antiretroviral drugs. Using HIV proviral DNA we can obtain information for: HIV-1 Viral Tropism, Mutations associated to Integrase Inhibitors, Mutations associated to Transcriptase reverse Inhibitors, Mutations associated to Protease Inhibitors, and Mutations associated to GP41 Inhibitors.

Along with this the investigators propose to validate the proviral DNA as starting material for genotyping which is independent of the patient's viral load and achieve a greater number of patients living with HIV have access to this important test that is essential in monitoring the HIV infection.

3.2 RESEARCH QUESTIONs Is proviral DNA a genetic compartment suitable for carrying out a genotypic resistance test in patients with low or undetectable viral load? Does proviral DNA have the same clinical validity that RNA? 3.3.- HYPOTHESIS A resistance genotyping test carried out by Proviral DNA detects the same mutations associated to resistance that viral RNA.

3.4.- OBJECTIVES: General/Specific General objective Develop a methodology to assess the proviral HIV-1 DNA or RNA as the genetic material for genotyping assays in genes that are targets of pharmacological interest as TR reverse transcriptase and protease (PRO), Integrase or GP41 Inhibitors and HIV tropism. Specific Objectives

1. Carry out genotyping by proviral DNA and compare it with the same genes genotyping performed with viral RNA. 2. Once the correlation between proviral DNA and RNA has shown, standardize a method to use the technique for clinical use in monitoring HIV patients according to each patient's needs. RNA for patients with viral load above 1,000 copies/mL. Proviral DNA for patients with low or undetectable viral load.