title: Multiple introductions of HIV-1 subtype E into the western hemisphere.
abstract: There are nine recognised genetic subtypes of HIV-1, and the epidemic in Southeast Asia is largely due to subtype E. We have investigated HIV-1 viral subtypes in 11 Uruguayan military personnel, six with infection acquired during a United Nations deployment to Cambodia and five with infection acquired in South America. We found subtype E in five of the six infections acquired in Southeast Asia, and subtype B in all five of the domestically acquired cases. These findings document multiple introductions of HIV-1 subtype E into the western hemisphere and mean that the genetic diversity of the global HIV-1 pandemic must be considered in strategies for epidemic control.
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology; D000328:Adult; D002160:Cambodia; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D015995:Prevalence; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014195:Travel; D014583:Uruguay / Q000453:epidemiology