Contribution of Nested PCR for the Diagnosis of the Immunodeficiency Virus and the Detection of Endogenization of the Provirus in Serodiscordant Couples in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Preliminary Diagnostic Study

Context: The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification technique has aroused and continues to arouse great enthusiasm in the biomedical sciences. It has enabled the development of ultrasensitive tests for HIV, thanks to which it is possible to diagnose this infection early, even before the appearance of specific antibodies. Objective: Confirm the molecular diagnosis of HIV in serodiscordant couples followed in Kinshasa and find the presence of the viral genome in seronegative partners. Methods: A cross-sectional diagnostic study was conducted in the city province of Kinshasa in two different health structures. Sociodemographic information as well as information on the results of the various tests carried out was noted on a data collection sheet for statistical analysis. Results: In total, 36 (thirty-six) samples were analyzed by Classic Nested PCR. 18 positive samples were confirmed HIV positive and the remaining 18 negative samples were confirmed HIV negative. Conclusion: Nested PCR remains the reference test for the diagnosis of virological diseases, given its very high sensitivity and specificity.