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
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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.
