viral load: a test based on false assumptions?

[Jeswin]

I'm looking over the method of viral load to quantify virus particles
in the body [1]. Most of the methods are based on PCR technology. I
have also came across some information saying viral load test based on
PCR have a weak foundation [2], [3]. Those against viral load say that
the test is non-specific, measures inactive viral particles (not sure
what this is), and some other stuff.

Anyone with a better grasp of this topic care to enlighten me on this?
I also realize that website with titles like "virus myth" may not be
very trustworthy but I would like to know if their assumptions are
wrong.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_load
[2] http://www.virusmyth.com/aids/hiv/chjtests5.htm
[3] http://www.aliveandwell.org/html/viral_load_tcell/viral_load.html

[Pat]

What virus are you trying to work with?

Real-Time PCR will allow you to quantify the amount of DNA present in
a same.

Old School Methods
Plaque Assay
Endpoint dilution
Hemagglutination

[Phil]

On Feb 12, 7:34 am, Pat <ele...@gmail.com> wrote:
> What virus are you trying to work with?
>
> Real-Time PCR will allow you to quantify the amount of DNA present in

> a sample.

Real-time PCR will allow you to quantify the relative amounts of DNA
in two samples. "Absolute" quantification just means you already knew
the quantity in one of the samples.

[Jeswin]

On Sun, Feb 12, 2012 at 7:34 AM, Pat <ele...@gmail.com> wrote:
> What virus are you trying to work with?
>

I'm just doing some research into clinical tests used with viruses.

I came across the PCR method, branched DNA method, and Nucleic Acid
Based Sequence Amplification.

[Rick Byers]

I'm not an expert, but I've been reading a lot of papers on viral diagnostics lately.  It seems pretty clear to me that qPCR is a great tool (probably the best overall) for sensitive and precise quantitative measurement of viral load.  A virology professor I spoke to a couple days ago confirmed this.  There are a ton of papers, but here's one open access one in particular that may help: http://jcm.asm.org/content/43/5/2356.full.

Rick

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