Detection of diverse HIV-1 genetic subtypes in the USA.
Of the nine genetic subtypes of HIV-1 that exist world wide, subtype B predominates in North America and Europe. Thus, most knowledge about HIV-1 and most vaccine development efforts are based on subtype B viruses. We document here the detection of HIV-1 subtypes A, D, and E in five US servicemen who acquired these non-subtype-B infections during overseas deployments. The dispersal of diverse HIV-1 subtypes into regions of the world with previously restricted genetic diversity may have important implications for the epidemiology of the epidemic and for the design and implementation of vaccine trials.
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D014195:Travel; D014481:United States