Mother-to-child transmission in the United States of subtypes D and A/G human immunodeficiency virus type 1

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2002 Apr 10;18(6):413-7. doi: 10.1089/088922202753614173.

Abstract

In the United States and Western Europe, most human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections are caused by subtype B. We analyzed the nucleotide sequence of HIV-1 RNA in plasma samples from 141 children enrolled into PACTG 377, a comparative study of several antiretroviral therapy regimens. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that two children, both born in the United States, were infected with non-B subtypes that are most commonly found in Africa: one with subtype D and the other with circulating recombinant form CRF02, an A/G recombinant lineage. Viral load assays performed to monitor treatment response underestimated the levels of HIV-1 RNA in the child with the A/G recombinant. These cases demonstrate mother-to-child transmission of non-B subtypes of HIV-1 in the United States. Non-B subtypes should be considered in the management of HIV-1-infected pregnant women and children to optimize strategies to prevent and treat pediatric HIV-1 infection.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / transmission*
  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • HIV-1 / classification*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical*
  • Phylogeny
  • Pregnancy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Viral Load