Comparison of an Automated and a Manual Method of Viral Load Determination in HIV-Infected Persons in Yaounde, Cameroon

Abstract

Objectives: Although access to antiretroviral therapy is being improved in the resource-limited settings most affected by the HIV pandemic, the assessment of treatment success or failure remains a challenge. Methods of viral load determination that are inexpensive, easy to use, and practicable at peripheral health centers are required. This study aimed at evaluating the validity and relative cost of a manual method compared to an automated method of viral load quantification. Methods: HIV-1 viral load was determined by both the COBAS Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor and the Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor assays in 18 patients in Yaounde, Cameroon. Results: There was a strong correlation between values of viral load obtained by the automated method and the manual method ( r = .83, P value < .0001). Also, both methods were not statistically different from each other (Wilcoxon rank-sum statistic P value .99). Conclusions: The manual method of determining HIV viral load was correlated with the automated method and should be considered as a viable alternative.