Mzingwane, Mayibongwe L.Hunt, G.Lassauniere, R.Kalimashe, M.Bongwe, A.Ledwaba, J.Chaisson, R.E.Martinson, N.Richter, Karin LouiseBowyer, S.M.Tiemessen, Caroline T.2020-07-132020-07-132019-09-24Mzingwane, M.L., Hunt, G., Lassauniere, R. et al. 2019, 'Detection and molecular characterization of urinary tract HIV‑1 populations', Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials, vol. 18, art. 27, pp. 1-7.1476-0711 (online)10.1186/s12941-019-0326-9http://hdl.handle.net/2263/75167Table S1. Study subjects and time points at which urine samples were tested.BACKGROUND : Identification of all possible HIV reservoirs is an important aspect in HIV eradication efforts. The urinary tract has however not been well studied as a potential HIV reservoir. In this pilot study we molecularly characterized HIV-1 viruses in urine and plasma samples to investigate HIV-1 replication, compartmentalization and persistence in the urinary tract. METHODS : Prospectively collected urine and blood samples collected over 12–36 months from 20 HIV-1 infected individuals were analysed including sampling points from prior to and after ART initiation. HIV-1 pol gene RNA and DNA from urine supernatant and urine pellets respectively were analysed and compared to plasma RNA viruses from the same individual. RESULTS : HIV-1 nucleic acid was detected in urine samples from at least one time point in 8/20 (40%) treatment-naïve subjects compared to 1/13 (7.7%) individuals on antiretroviral treatment (ART) during periods of plasma viral suppression and 1/7 (14.3%) individuals with virological failure. HIV-1 RNA was undetectable in urine samples after ART initiation but HIV-1 DNA was detectable in one patient more than 6 months after treatment initiation. There was coclustering of urine-derived pol sequences but some urine-derived sequences were interspersed among the plasmaderived sequences. CONCLUSIONS : Suppressive ART reduces HIV-1 replication in the urinary tract but HIV-1 DNA may persist in these cells despite treatment. A larger number of sequences would be required to confirm HIV compartmentalization in the urinary tract.en© The Author(s) 2019. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.Urinary tractHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)HIV eradicationHIV reservoirHIV-1 virusesPersistenceUrineCompartmentalizationHIV-1 replicationPlasmaArticle