Figure 2.

Heterduplex tracking assay (HTA) was used to compare V1/V2 and V4/V5 env populations in blood plasma (BP) and CSF from subjects with distinct stages of HIV infection and neurological status (PI, primary infection; NI, not impaired; MCMD/I, minor cognitive and motor disorder; HAD, HIV-associated dementia). The % difference for BP/CSF HTA band patterns was determined for each patient and the data compiled. A higher percentage difference indicates more discordant BP/CSF viral genetic populations for the particular region of env analyzed. The mean of V1/V2 and V4/V5 percent difference results was determined for each patient to reflect global env compartmentalization between BP and CSF, and results were compiled for comparison between the different disease categories. p values shown were determined by Wilcoxon rank-sum test. (Adapted from Harrington et al. 2009; with permission, from Wolters Kluwer Health © 2009.)