Short communication: retrospective study to time the introduction of HIV type 1 non-B subtypes in Lyon, France, using env genes obtained from primary infection samples.
Using blood samples from primary HIV-1 infection (PHI) patients obtained in Lyon, France, we characterized the newly transmitted HIV-1 variants in this area during the 1992-1996 period. As PHI samples allowed the precise timing of the transmission event, we were able to date the introduction of non-B subtypes or recombinant forms of the virus in Lyon. Genomic DNA from 18 HIV-1-positive patients at primary infection was used to amplify the full-length env gene by nested PCR; after cloning, the gene was sequenced for subsequent phylogenetic analysis. Several non-B subtypes and recombinant forms of HIV-1 were identified among the 18 patients studied (1 subtype F1, 1 CRF01-AE, 2 subtype G and 2 CRF02-AG). We also found a new J/K recombinant form transmitted in 1995 and never described until now. The introduction of CRF02-AG in Lyon, France, occurred prior to 1992 and six transmission events including non-B subtypes were documented in the following 4 years. Heterosexual contacts appeared as the main introduction pathway for non-B subtypes or recombinant forms. Nevertheless, as transmission of these viruses occurred not only during travel to endemic regions, but also in France or Germany, we conclude that non-B strains entered Europe before the studied period. This retrospective study showed that even if subtype B remained prevalent in the spreading HIV-1 infection in Lyon between 1992 and 1996, non-B subtypes and circulating recombinant forms represented a significantly growing part.
FRE2736 CNRS-bioMérieux, IFR 128, Tour CERVI, Lyon, France.
Laurence
L
Vachot
Yasemin
Y
Ataman-Onal
Céline
C
Terrat
Pierre-Yves
PY
Durand
Bénédicte
B
Ponceau
François
F
Biron
Bernard
B
Verrier
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D014644:Genetic Variation; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24 / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D016655:HIV Core Protein p24; D012367:RNA, Viral