Heterosexually acquired CRF01_AE/B recombinant HIV type 1 found in Thailand.
CRF01_AE and subtype B are circulating in Thailand and the strains have become intermixed in some high-risk groups, establishing the possibility of intersubtype recombination. The first such recombinant, mostly B with gp120 from CRF01_AE, was recently identified. Here we report a heterosexually acquired recombinant of different structure, with most of the genome from CRF01_AE but almost the entire envelope from subtype B. Surveillance by V3 serotype and genotype in multiple regions, followed by full-genome sequencing, was used to identify this strain. Pending vaccine trials in Thailand require knowledge of the presence of such strains in the population, and these recombinants provide valuable reagents for the laboratory evaluation of cross-subtype immunity. Studies are underway to determine whether either recombinant is circulating widely.
Viputtijul
Kwanjai
K
Thai Component, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand.
de Souza
Mark
M
Trichavaroj
Rapee
R
Carr
Jean K
JK
Tovanabutra
Sodsai
S
McCutchan
Francine E
FE
Sriplienchan
Somchai
S
Buapunth
Puangmalee
P
Chuenchitra
Cheodchai
C
McNeil
John G
JG
Birx
Deborah L
DL
Brown
Arthur E
AE
Nitayaphan
Sorachai
S
D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D013785:Thailand