The molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in South and East Asia.
Foremost amongst human pathogens, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exhibits a great genetic variability. The resultant fluidity of HIV enzymatic proteins allows them to remain functional whilst simultaneously evading immune surrveillance and antiretroviral therapy. This very variability, however, has been turned to powerful advantage in the study of the movement and evolution of HIV strains within and between human populations. Molecular analyses that estimate the relatedness between viral isolates, conducted in tandem with epidemiological studies, provide a new clarity of insight into the modes and routes of HIV transmission and epidemic spread. In this paper the principles underlying the molecular study of HIV and the achievements of this new field of epidemiology in southern and eastern Asia are reviewed.
Oelrichs
Robert B
RB
Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, The Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, Australia 3001. oelrichs@burnet.edu.au
Crowe
Suzanne M
SM
D001210:Asia, Southeastern / Q000453:epidemiology; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D007723:Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology; D010802:Phylogeny; D015995:Prevalence; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology
D004279:DNA, Viral