Disclosed are methods and systems for detecting RNA and sequencing RNA in a wide range of samples such as samples with low concentrations of nucleic acid, samples with degraded nucleic acid, samples that would not otherwise be amenable to conventional sequencing or RNA detection methods, poor quality samples, high quality samples in which rare mutations are sought, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples, blood samples, etc. The methods of the present invention may use paired, large panels of primers to amplify many short fragments that overlap between but not within each panel. Each panel's amplicon set may fill the gaps between those of the opposing panel, thereby providing complete gene or genomic coverage. A preliminary, multiplex amplification step amplifies target nucleic acid for all downstream reactions such as Sanger sequencing, cloning, and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).

Disclosed herein are methods of detecting viral nucleic acids in a sample that include contacting the sample with one or more sets of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) primers specific for a viral nucleic acid of interest (such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis E virus, human immunodeficiency virus, West Nile virus, or Dengue virus nucleic acids) under conditions sufficient to produce an amplification product and detecting the amplification product(s). In some examples, the amplification product is detected by gel electrophoresis, while in other examples, the amplification product is detected by detecting signal from a label included in one or more of the LAMP primers. Primers and kits for use for detection of viral nucleic acids by LAMP are also disclosed herein.

The present invention provides a method for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated enteropathy in subjects who have been on antiretroviral therapy by orally administering immunoglobulin/protein isolate.

Universal nucleic acid binding molecules (e.g., antisense oligonucleotides or RNAi molecules) having an inhibitory or activating nucleic acid sequence which binds a receiving nucleic acid sequence (e.g., RNA or DNA) are provided. In some embodiments, the universal nucleic acid binding molecules bind the receiving nucleic acid sequence (e.g., RNA or DNA) via at least one non-Watson Crick or non-canonical paired base.

The present invention concerns the amplification of at least a first and a second target nucleic acid that may be present in at least one fluid sample using RNase H and a polymerase with reverse transcriptase activity.

A method for identifying a risk factor for diseases, disorders or conditions, such as those caused by human immunodeficiency virus, using the polymerase chain reaction and specific primers. Methods for treating patients having these diseases, disorders or conditions by antimicrobial treatment of the risk factor by combined antiviral and antibacterial treatment or by sustaining or stimulating the subject's immune system. Methods for screening biological products including red blood cell preparations. Primers and methods for detecting nucleic acids or microbial agents associated with red blood cells, such as those associated with red blood cells in subjects infected with HIV and undergoing antiretroviral therapy.

Provided herein are methods and compositions for the detection of target nucleic acids using target reporter constructs (TRCs) which comprise target sequences complementary to the target nucleic acid. Further provided are methods of replicating the TRCs using rolling circle replication and/or rolling circle amplification to produce replicated TRCs which can be detected using probe sequences within the replicated TRCs.

The present invention relates to a low-cost, thermally reversible valve for paper-fluidic diagnostic devices. In particular, this invention demonstrates a tunable valve mechanism fabricated by wax-ink printing and localized heating via thin-film resistors to sequentially release liquids through a cellulose or nitrocellulose membrane. The wax-ink valve can obstruct fluid flow for a sustained time and are thermally actuated to release a controlled amount of liquid past the valve. This integrated paper-fluidic diagnostic assay device requires minimal user involvement, can be easily manufactured and tuned to meet various fluid delivery timing and incubation needs.

The present invention relates to a method for detecting or quantifying Human Immunodeficiency Virus-2 (HIV-2) nucleic acids in a biological sample, comprising: a) performing a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or a real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on nucleic acids of the biological sample with: (i) at least 4 primers respectively comprising or consisting of: —sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or a sequence having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 1, a nd—sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 or a sequence having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, a nd—sequence SEQ ID NO: 4 or a sequence having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 4, a nd—sequence SEQ ID NO: 5 or a sequence having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 5, a nd (ii) at least 2 labelled probes respectively comprising or consisting of:—sequence SEQ ID NO: 3, a sequence complementary to SEQ ID NO: 3, or a sequence having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 3 or the complementary thereof, and—sequence SEQ ID NO: 6, a sequence complementary to SEQ ID NO: 6, or a sequence having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 6 or the complementary thereof, and b) determining therefrom the presence or absence and/or the quantity of HIV-2 nucleic acids in the biological sample.

Disclosed herein are compositions that include antigen-encoding nucleic acid sequences and/or antigen peptides. Also disclosed are nucleotides, cells, and methods associated with the compositions including their use as vaccines against infectious diseases such as HIV.