A reporter gene that can be administered to an individual such as HIV-BAL-eLuc in order to detect the presence of a virus. A method of detecting the presence of virus in an individual, by administering a reporter gene to the individual, associating the reporter gene with the virus, imaging the individual, and detecting the presence of virus in the individual. A method of determining the efficacy of a treatment for a virus, by administering a reporter gene to the individual receiving treatment for the virus, associating the reporter gene with the virus, imaging the individual, detecting the presence of virus in the individual, and determining if the treatment is effective.
