Introduction of HIV-2 and multiple HIV-1 subtypes to Lebanon

Emerg Infect Dis. 1998 Oct-Dec;4(4):649-56. doi: 10.3201/eid0404.980418.

Abstract

HIV genetic variability, phylogenetic relationships, and transmission dynamics were analyzed in 26 HIV-infected patients from Lebanon. Twenty-five specimens were identified as HIV-1 and one as HIV-2 subtype B. The 25 strains were classified into six env-C2-V3 HIV-1 subtypes: B (n = 10), A (n = 11), C (n = 1), D (n = 1), G (n = 1), and unclassifiable. Potential recombinants combining parts of viral regions from different subtypes Aenv/Dpol/Agag, Genv/Apol, and the unclassifiable-subtype(env)/unclassifiable-subtype(pol)/Agag were found in three patients. Epidemiologic analysis of travel histories and behavioral risks indicated that HIV-1 and HIV-2 subtypes reflected HIV strains prevalent in countries visited by patients or their sex partners. Spread of complex HIV-subtype distribution patterns to regions where HIV is not endemic may be more common than previously thought. Blood screening for both HIV-1 and HIV-2 in Lebanon is recommended to protect the blood supply. HIV subtype data provide information for vaccine development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA, Viral
  • Female
  • HIV Core Protein p24 / genetics
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / genetics
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV Protease / genetics
  • HIV-1 / classification*
  • HIV-1 / genetics
  • HIV-1 / isolation & purification
  • HIV-2 / classification*
  • HIV-2 / genetics
  • HIV-2 / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Lebanon / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Sequence Data

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • HIV Core Protein p24
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120
  • HIV Protease

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF025691
  • GENBANK/AF025692
  • GENBANK/AF025693
  • GENBANK/AF025694
  • GENBANK/AF025695
  • GENBANK/AF025696
  • GENBANK/AF025697
  • GENBANK/AF025698
  • GENBANK/AF025699
  • GENBANK/AF025700
  • GENBANK/AF025701
  • GENBANK/AF025702
  • GENBANK/AF025703
  • GENBANK/AF025704
  • GENBANK/AF025705
  • GENBANK/AF025706
  • GENBANK/AF025707
  • GENBANK/AF025708
  • GENBANK/AF025709
  • GENBANK/AF025710
  • GENBANK/AF025711
  • GENBANK/AF025712
  • GENBANK/AF025713
  • GENBANK/AF025714
  • GENBANK/AF025715
  • GENBANK/AF025716
  • GENBANK/AF025717
  • GENBANK/AF025718
  • GENBANK/AF025719
  • GENBANK/AF025720