Molecular epidemiology of HIV type 1 in northern Brazil: identification of subtypes C and D and the introduction of CRF02_AG in the Amazon region of Brazil

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2009 Oct;25(10):961-6. doi: 10.1089/aid.2009.0027.

Abstract

The molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 strains circulating in Belem-PA and Macapa-AP, in the Northern region of Brazil, is described using sequences of the C2V3 segment of the env and the pro gene of HIV-1 from patients of the Reference Unit for Special Infectious and Parasitary Diseases (URE-DIPE) in Belem-PA and the Central Laboratory (LACEN) in Macapa-AP. Subtype B was the most frequently found in relation to pro (88.3%) in Belem and in Macapa (97.1%) and env (88.3% in Belem and 100% in Macapa). Subtype F was also described in Belem (9.3% pro and 8.3% env) and Macapa (2.8% pro). Subtype D was described for the first time in the Northern region of the country as well as the recent entry of CRF02_AG. Furthermore, several possible recombinant forms among the various subtypes were found in both cities. The results support the hypothesis that HIV-1 infection is associated with the epidemic of the virus in the Southeast region of the country and that the city of Belem is the most important route for HIV-1 entry in the Northern region of Brazil.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV Protease / genetics
  • HIV-1 / classification*
  • HIV-1 / genetics*
  • HIV-1 / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Phylogeny
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Sequence Homology
  • Young Adult
  • env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / genetics

Substances

  • env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • HIV Protease