HIV Tropism Prediction

This test is referred to another lab outside our network
This does not affect where samples are sent and where your results are issued.
Description: 
EDTA blood samples for HIV tropism prediction are sent to the Antiviral Unit, UKHSA Colindale. For HIV tropism prediction from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or buffy coat cells for samples <1,000 copies/ml, these samples are sent to Antiviral Resistance Testing Service, UKHSA Public Health Laboratory Birmingham. Note: If sending a CSF, a concurrent HIV viral load MUST also be requested on EDTA blood. The sequencing assay covers the envelope V3 loop of the HIV-1 gp120 gene. Predicted co-receptor use categorised as: CCR5 (R5), CXCR4 (X4), dual tropic (R5/X4) or mixed tropic (R5, X4, R5/X4).
Clinical details: 
HIV infects cells expressing the primary receptor CD4 and one of the chemokine receptors CCR5 or CXCR4. CCR5 antagonists, such as the anti-retroviral drug Maraviroc, inhibit replication of R5 virus. Tropism testing is essential prior to use of this drug in order to identify individuals harbouring X4 or R5/X4 variants of HIV in whom no significant virological response to Maraviroc treatment would be anticipated
Reference range: 

Not applicable. Result given as predicted tropism

Synonyms or keywords: 
HIV, Tropism, genotyping, Maraviroc, sequencing
Units: 
Not applicable

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Last updated: 06/10/2023