Simultaneous amplification of multiple HIV-1 DNA sequences from clinical specimens by using nested-primer polymerase chain reaction.

A sensitive and specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol with nested primers was developed for simultaneous amplification of three independent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA sequences from clinical specimens. DNA samples were first amplified with gag, pol, and env outer primer pairs and then with the corresponding three inner primer pairs in the same two-step reaction. Detection of the different amplification products was readily accomplished by simple agarose gel electrophoresis of the reaction product, even when starting with a single copy of HIV-1 DNA. Equivalent amounts of the three PCR products were generated, provided that the relative concentrations of the inner primer pairs were optimized. In addition, a beta-globin control primer pair could be conveniently included in the internal amplification step to verify that the DNA sample was suitable for PCR analysis. One nested multiplex PCR test was sufficient to detect HIV-1 DNA in all of 80 HIV-1-seropositive individuals and none of 50 HIV-1-seronegative healthy blood donors. The nested multiplex PCR procedure provides an attractive means for simple, rapid, and cost-effective direct detection of HIV-1 DNA in patient samples.