Viral load quantitation:- an integral part of future health management.

Australasian Biotechnology, Volume 6 Number 5, September/October 1996, pp.295-300 Viral load quantitation:- an integral part of future health management. Dianne Young, Code Number: AU96016 Size of Files: Text: 19.7K Graphics: Line drawings (gif) - 42.2K Our understanding of various viral infections has been rounded on the ability to accurately and precisely measure viral RNA in peripheral blood. The availability of reliable, standardised quantitative viral RNA assays with broad dynamic ranges has permitted the accumulation of a vast amount of information towards establishing prognosis and assessing the effectiveness of antiviral drugs in reducing viral load. In addition, the predictive value of this molecular information for subsequent clinical endpoints is now overwhelming. Consensus guidelines to consider in treating infected individuals using this molecular marker of infection have been drafted and have begun to appear in the literature. The baseline viral level as determined by Quantitative PCR, as well as the duration and magnitude of viral load changes, are parameters that merit closer scrutiny. Copyright 1996 Australian Biotechnology Association Ltd