Detection of microbial translocation in HIV and SIV infection using the limulus amebocyte lysate assay is masked by serum and plasma

Post Date: 
2012-08-01
   |   
Publication: 
PLOS One
Summary: 

Objective: Microbial translocation (MT) is thought to be a major contributor to the pathogenesis of HIV-related immune activation, and circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria is the principle measurement of this process. However, related research has been impeded by inconsistent LPS test results.



 



Methods: Specimens were obtained from HIV-infected adults enrolled in the PEARLS study (ACTG A5175) and HIV-HCV co-infected participants enrolled in a study of liver disease staging using MRI elastography. Pig-tailed macaque specimens were obtained from SIV-infected and –uninfected animals. Samples were tested for LPS using the LAL assay with diazo-coupling modifications to improve sensitive detection.

Citation: 
Balagopal A, Gama L, Franco V, Russell JN, Smeaton LM, Clements JE, Thomas DL, Gupta A. Detection of microbial translocation in HIV and SIV infection using the limulus amebocyte lysate assay is masked by serum and plasma. PLoS ONE. 2012 August 1; 7(8):e41258. PMCID:PMC3409852
Collaborators: 
  • Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
  • Karolinska Institutet, Sweden