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Background and Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) belongs to the retroviridae family and is the agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Treatment of HIV for the global health has made a special importance for the new antiviral drug discoveries in addition to HIV vaccine developments. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study single cycle replicable (SCR) HIV-1 virions with the capability of one cycle of replication were produced by the co-transfection of three plasmids of pmzNL4-3, psPAX2 and pMD2.G to the HEK cells and their replication capacity of the first generation SCR visions in HEK 293T, MT-2, and mouse spleen cells was examined by p24-capture ELISA, syncytium formation assay. The infectivity of the SCR-produced virions was also analysed on MT-2 cells. Results: Experiments showed the efficient production of SCR virions. Moreover, results indicated the replication potency of SCR virions on the investigated cells and the inactivity of the produced SCR HIV virions. Complete HIV antigens are expressed in their native forms by SCR virions, but this second viral particles lack the replication capacity. Conclusion: SCR HIV virions produced in this study are capable of one cycle of replication and will be inactivated thereafter.These features make SCR virions as a good candidate for HIV vaccine studies. Moreover, considering the one cycle replication, SCR virions do not need the severe biosafety concerns involved in retrovirus studies.

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Background and Objective: HIV-1 and HCV infections especially in co-infected forms are among the most important infections transferred during blood transfusion.The screening of the blood products is valuable for preventing the transmission of infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate multiplex RT-PCR assay for detection of Co-infection HIV-1 and HCV Viruses in plasma samples.

Materials and Methods: This laboratory study was done to evaluate the use of multiplex RT-PCR assay for simultaneous detection of HIV-1 and HCV genomes in plasma samples. The amplified genomes were detectable in 3% agarose gel base on difference in the numbers of nucleotides. The sensitivity and specificity of this assay was determined on healthy and infected subjects whome simultanously exhibit HIV-1 and HCV co-infection using plasma samples.

Results: The specificity results showed that the primers used in this assay have no interaction with each other and other possible interfering agents. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the assay has been considered as 90% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion: Multiplex RT-PCR can be used for screening of blood donors due to high sensivity and specificity.

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Background and Objective: Sea cucumber (Holothuria leucospilota) is used for food purposes and traditional medicine in the South East and East Asia. This study was done to determine the antiviral effect of methanolic extract, of Holothuria leucospilota species against HIV-1 virus. Methods: In this laboratory study, sea cucumbers were collected from Larak Island, Persian Gulf, Iran at depths of 10-30 m. Methanol solvent was used for extraction process. Extract was concentrated by rotary evaporator at 40-45 degree C, and subsequently was prepared in the form of dry powder using vacuum freeze dryer lyophilization. Results: The extract in 100 and 1000 µg/ml of concentrations inhibited by 94% and 92.5% the replication of HIV-1, respectively. 10 µg/ml of extract had not specific antiviral effect. Approximately the half of concentration of extract (35.89 µg/ml) prevents 50% of proliferation of HIV-1, which was 50% toxic of on host cells (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sea cucumber methanolic body wall extract of Holothuria leucospilota species had no antiviral effect against HIV-1 virus. It can be due to cytotoxic effect of extract on the host cells.