Analysis of full-length human immunodeficiency virus type 1 genome reveals a variable spectrum of subtypes B and f recombinants in São Paulo, Brazil

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2005 Feb;21(2):145-51. doi: 10.1089/aid.2005.21.145.

Abstract

Recombination is one of the major mechanisms contributing to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) variability. Analysis of pol gene sequences of 215 HIV-1 samples from São Paulo, Brazil classified 189 sequences as subtype B (87.9%), 8 sequences as subtype F (3.7%), and 18 sequences (8.4%) as B/F recombinants. After the analysis of the pol gene, a subset of six recombinant samples composed of sequences with a related recombinant pol structure was selected for full-length genome analysis to identify a possible circulating recombinant form. According to full-length genome analysis, recombination was higher in gag, protease, reverse transcriptase, integrase, and vif. Identification of many distinct recombinant forms and the absence of an identifiable HIV-1 circulating recombinant form suggest that a high frequency of dual infections between HIV-1 subtypes B and F is occurring in São Paulo, Brazil.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brazil
  • Genes, pol
  • Genome, Viral*
  • HIV-1 / classification*
  • HIV-1 / genetics*
  • Phylogeny
  • Recombination, Genetic*