A rapid, sensitive, multiplexed assay for detection of viral nucleic acids using the FlowMetrix system.

Sensitive assays for viral nucleic acids are important tools for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of viral diseases. Unlike serological methods, viral load analysis provides quantitative information about viral replication. Studies have shown that viral load is a powerful predictor of disease progression in both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections (1)(2) . Additionally, monitoring viral load is a proven method for assessing the effects of antiviral treatments for both HIV and HCV infections (3)(4)(5)(6) . Recently, the need for simultaneous viral load determinations of different viruses within a single individual has been established. Numerous studies indicate synergistic effects of co-infection with multiple viruses. For example, higher HCV titers have been reported in individuals co-infected with HIV (7) . Likewise, herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can be particularly severe in individuals with HIV-compromised immune systems (8) . This report describes a novel method for the detection and quantitation of viral nucleic acids in a rapid, multiplexed format. This method is based on fluorescent detection using the FlowMetrix analysis system. The FlowMetrix system is a computer-enhanced flow cytometer that uses microspheres dyed with multiple fluorescent colors (9) . The microspheres are …