Molecular evidence of homosexual transmission of HIV type 2 in Spain.
Eight HIV-2-infected Caucasian men living in the same geographical area in Gipuzkoa (northern Spain) have been identified in the last 5 years. HIV-2 infection in this area is uncommon, and no other cases of HIV-2 infection have been found after extensive testing for HIV-1/2 antibodies. Epidemiological data suggested a possible link among the identified subjects, with homosexual contact being the most likely way of transmission. A genetic analysis of four of the subjects, from whom specimens were available, was conducted. Phylogenetic and signature pattern studies of the reverse transcriptase (RT) and env genes supported a single source of infection. Interindividual nucleotide variability ranged from 2.4 to 4.8% in the RT region and from 5.2 to 6.1% in the env gene, whereas the mean divergence between patient and control strains was 9.8 and 18.3%, respectively. The nucleotide and amino acid signature patterns were closely related in viruses from the four examined individuals. This is the first report of a cluster of HIV-2 infections with genetic sequence data support. The singularity of this cluster should alert clinicians on the possibility of HIV-2 outside endemic areas.
Service of Microbiology, Complejo Hospitalario Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain.
G
G
Cilla
B
B
Rodés
E
E
Pérez-Trallero
J
J
Arrizabalaga
V
V
Soriano
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D015752:Genes, env / Q000235:genetics; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D015498:HIV-2 / Q000235:genetics*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000235:genetics; D017423:Sequence Analysis, RNA; D013030:Spain; D044465:White People
D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase