[Isolation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in epidemic area of HIV infection in Yunnan Province].

Blood were collected from HIV infected persons in epidemic area of HIV infection in Yunnan province for isolation of HIV. The coculture method was used for cultivating the virus and reverse transcriptase assay (RT) was the main method for detection of HIV. Of 25 seropositive, 24 asymptomatic and one PGL, 10 showed positive RT activity (greater than 5,000 cpm/ml and with a steadily increase, some to more than 40,000 cpm/ml). The results were confirmed by the detection of HIV1 p24 Ag (ELISA) and HIV1 POL and GAG gene sequence (PCR]. In accordance with the reports from other labs, the viruses isolated from these group of persons infect only PMCs, grew slowly with gradual increase of RT activity and caused no CPE. Efforts are making, at present, to rise the virus titer with better culture system. The amplified gene sequence of the isolates are under investigating.