Recombinant strains of HIV type 1 in the United Kingdom.
Twenty-five recombinant (mosaic) HIV-1 genomes were detected among 151 samples comprising 118 non-B subtype sequences and 33 samples containing subtype B sequences. Seven of the 25 mosaic patterns were similar to characterized circulating recombinant forms (two A/E, four A/G, and one D/F) and one was a MAL-like A/D recombinant. Eighteen of the recombinants had evidence of subtype A sequences in at least one region of their genome. One sample was found to contain a novel recombinant form (pol F, env K). Two samples could not be characterized unambiguously as recombinant forms and a further one appeared to be a complex C/J/D/A genomic form. The majority of the mosaic genomes were recombinants between gag, pol, or env, whereas the C/J/D/A mosaic had cross-over breakpoints within pol. These findings suggest that almost 20% of non-B subtype isolates of HIV-1 circulating in the United Kingdom have mosaic genomes. This shows the diverse origin of HIV-1 strains circulating in the United Kingdom and may have implications for antiretroviral drug resistance.
Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Virus Laboratory, Central Public Health Laboratory, London NW9 5HT, UK.
K L
KL
Barlow
I D
ID
Tatt
P A
PA
Cane
D
D
Pillay
J P
JP
Clewley
D016000:Cluster Analysis; D015752:Genes, env; D015750:Genes, gag; D015751:Genes, pol; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010802:Phylogeny; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology