Evidence of a high frequency of HIV-1 subtype F infections in a heterosexual population in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
We analyzed HIV-1 genetic variability, phylogenetic relationships, and association with transmission modes among 58 HIV-1-infected patients from Buenos Aires City, Argentina. The 58 strains were classified as env(gp41) HIV-1 group M subtype B (n = 34) and subgroup F1 of subtype F (n = 24). Potential recombinants combining parts of viral regions from different subtypes, B(prot)/F(env) and F(prot)/B(env), were found in two patients, and a dual infection with HIV-1 prot subtypes B and F was identified in one individual. Epidemiologic analysis of behavioral risks revealed that the frequency of infection with subtype F viruses was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) among heterosexual patients (71%) compared with homosexual patients (11%). The spread of non-B subtypes into heterosexual populations may be more common than previously thought. Our findings provide important information for monitoring the transmission of HIV-1 strains among different risk groups in Argentina as well as for vaccine development.
Masciotra
S
S
Division of AIDS, STD, and TB Laboratory Research, National Centers for Infectious Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
Livellara
B
B
Belloso
W
W
Clara
L
L
Tanuri
A
A
Ramos
A C
AC
Baggs
J
J
Lal
R
R
Pieniazek
D
D
D000328:Adult; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D001483:Base Sequence; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005814:Genes, Viral; D014644:Genetic Variation; D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / Q000235:genetics; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D016333:HIV Protease / Q000235:genetics; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010802:Phylogeny; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41; D016333:HIV Protease