Abstract
Recent data suggest that infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype C results in prolonged high-level viremia (>5 log10 copies/mL) during early infection. We examined the relationship between HIV-1 subtype and plasma viremia among 153 African seroconverters. Mean setpoint viral loads were similar for C and non-C subtypes: 4.36 vs 4.42 log10 copies/mL (P = .61). The proportion of subtype C-infected participants with viral loads >5 log10 copies/mL was not greater than the proportion for those with non-C infection. Our data do not support the hypothesis that higher early viral load accounts for the rapid spread of HIV-1 subtype C in southern Africa.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Africa, Eastern
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Black People
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Disease Transmission, Infectious / prevention & control
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Female
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HIV Infections / blood*
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HIV Infections / prevention & control
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HIV Infections / virology
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HIV Seropositivity / virology*
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HIV-1 / classification
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HIV-1 / genetics
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HIV-1 / pathogenicity*
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Prospective Studies
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RNA, Viral / blood
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Sensitivity and Specificity
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South Africa
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Time Factors
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Viral Load*
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Viremia / virology
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env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / genetics
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gag Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / genetics
Substances
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RNA, Viral
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env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
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gag Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus