HIV-1 Subtype A, D, G, AG and unclassified sequences identified in South Africa.
HIV-1 subtype C accounts for the vast majority of infections in South Africa. However, increasingly non-C subtypes are being detected. Here we report 10 viruses that contain sequences that group with subtypes A, D, and G as well as CRF02_AG and 1 that could not be classified. Most of these individuals were from other countries in Africa. Some of these sequences were in combination with subtype C, possibly indicating local recombination events. Although there is no indication of endemic spread of these viruses, continued monitoring is warranted to track genetic changes, which may impact on diagnostic testing, therapeutic responses to antiretroviral therapies, and vaccine design.
Bredell
Helba
H
AIDS Virus Research Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham 2131, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Hunt
Gillian
G
Casteling
Alison
A
Cilliers
Tonie
T
Rademeyer
Celia
C
Coetzer
Mia
M
Miller
Steven
S
Johnson
David
D
Tiemessen
Caroline T
CT
Martin
Desmond J
DJ
Williamson
Carolyn
C
Morris
Lynn
L
D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D010802:Phylogeny; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D017423:Sequence Analysis, RNA; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology