Detection and molecular characterization of urinary tract HIV-1 populations | Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials | Full Text

Detection and molecular characterization of urinary tract HIV-1 populations | Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials | Full Text



Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

Detection and molecular characterization of urinary tract HIV-1 populations

• M. L. Mzingwane, 
• G. Hunt, 
• R. Lassauniere, 
• M. Kalimashe, 
• A. Bongwe, 
• J. Ledwaba, 
• R. E. Chaisson, 
• N. Martinson, 
• K. Richter, 
• S. M. Bowyer & 
• C. T. Tiemessen 

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials volume 18, Article number: 27 (2019) | Download Citation

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Abstract

Background

Identification of all possible HIV reservoirs is an important aspect in HIV eradication efforts. The urinary tract has however not been well studied as a potential HIV reservoir. In this pilot study we molecularly characterized HIV-1 viruses in urine and plasma samples to investigate HIV-1 replication, compartmentalization and persistence in the urinary tract.

Methods

Prospectively collected urine and blood samples collected over 12–36 months from 20 HIV-1 infected individuals were analysed including sampling points from prior to and after ART initiation. HIV-1 pol gene RNA and DNA from urine supernatant and urine pellets respectively were analysed and compared to plasma RNA viruses from the same individual.

Results

HIV-1 nucleic acid was detected in urine samples from at least one time point in 8/20 (40%) treatment-naïve subjects compared to 1/13 (7.7%) individuals on antiretroviral treatment (ART) during periods of plasma viral suppression and 1/7 (14.3%) individuals with virological failure. HIV-1 RNA was undetectable in urine samples after ART initiation but HIV-1 DNA was detectable in one patient more than 6 months after treatment initiation. There was co-clustering of urine-derived pol sequences but some urine-derived sequences were interspersed among the plasma-derived sequences.

Conclusions

Suppressive ART reduces HIV-1 replication in the urinary tract but HIV-1 DNA may persist in these cells despite treatment. A larger number of sequences would be required to confirm HIV compartmentalization in the urinary tract.