Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) subtype surveillance of African-born persons at risk for group O and group N HIV infections in the United States

J Infect Dis. 2000 Feb;181(2):463-9. doi: 10.1086/315254.

Abstract

A population-based surveillance registry was used to identify human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons in the United States at increased risk for group O and group N infections (those born in or near African countries where group O infection has been reported). Of 155 eligible subjects, 37 gave samples. By phylogenetic and serologic analysis, 32 were infected with group M (16 with subtype A, 5 with B, 7 with C, and 1 each with subtypes D, F2, G, and recombinant A/J) and 2 with group O but none with group N virus. For 3, samples could not be typed by serology or amplified by polymerase chain reaction using group M-, O-, or N-specific primers. In the United States, group O HIV infection is uncommon; no case of group N infection was found. African-born persons may have HIV strains typical of their birth country. Ongoing subtype surveillance may allow early identification of novel or emerging HIV strains.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Africa / ethnology
  • Emigration and Immigration*
  • Female
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / genetics
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV-1 / classification*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phylogeny
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Population Surveillance*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Serotyping
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • HIV Envelope Protein gp41