Tropism testing

Definition
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Diagnostic method for determining the tropism of HI viruses, in particular of CCR5-tropic, CXCR4-tropic and dual-tropic HIV strains. The method is a prerequisite for the use of entry inhibitors, e.g. of Maraviroc.

General information
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Two tests are currently being carried out in parallel: the validated phenotypic tropism test "Trofile" used in the Maraviroc studies and a local genotypic tropism test.

Implementation
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For the phenotypic test the following are required: at least 3 ml blood plasma (8-10 ml whole blood in a plasma tube), virus load > 500 copies/ml.

If there are less than six hours between collection of the blood sample and arrival at the laboratory, shipping at 4 °C ("on ice") is recommended.
If more than six hours elapse between collection of the blood sample and arrival at the laboratory: collect 8 ml of EDTA blood, centrifuge and freeze at least 3 ml of plasma at -20 °C. Have frozen plasma collected from the laboratory.

For the genotypic test: 5 ml EDTA blood; virus load > 500 copies/ml. Therefore take 5 ml EDTA blood and send it to the laboratory at room temperature.

Note(s)
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Tropism testing is only possible in a few specialized laboratories:

University of Cologne, Dr. R. Kaiser, Fürst Pückler Str. 56, 50935 Cologne, Telephone: 0221-478 7741, Fax: 0221-478 3904, E-Mail: [email protected]
University of Frankfurt, Dr. Martin Stürmer, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596 Frankfurt, Telephone: 069-63016454, Fax: 069-6301 6477, E-Mail: [email protected]
Laboratory Thiele Westpfalzklinikum, Martin Däumer, 67655 Kaiserslautern, Phone: 0631-316700, Fax: 0631-3167020, E-Mail: [email protected]
Laboratory Lademannbogen, Dr. Christian Noah, Lademannbogen 61, 22339 Hamburg, Germany, Phone: 040-53805 192, Fax: 040-53805 879, E-Mail: [email protected]
Laboratory Joint Practice Dr. Jäger, Eva Wolf and Birgit Eckerlein, Karlsplatz 8, 80335 Munich, Germany, Phone: 089-555404, Fax: 089-555400, E-Mail: [email protected]
Laboratory Dr. Berg, Dr. Thomas Berg, Seestr. 13, 10439 Berlin, Phone: 030-44653595, Fax: 030-4473 8145, E-Mail: [email protected]
Practice Drs. H. Knechten and L. Habets, Patrick Braun, Blondelstr. 9, 52062 Aachen, Germany, telephone: 0241-4709725, fax: 0241-40 86 52, e-mail: [email protected]
Labor Dres Fenner Dept. PCR, Dr. Harm Müller, Bergstr. 14, 20095 Hamburg, Germany, Phone: 040-309550, Fax: 040-3 09 5513, E-Mail: [email protected]
Laboratory Schönian Harzer, Dr. Oliver Harzer, Am Prime Parc 17, 65479 Raunheim, Phone: 06142-913680, Fax: 06142-9136890, E-Mail: [email protected]