When phylogenetic analysis complements the epidemiological investigation: a case of HIV-2 infection, Italy

New Microbiol. 2013 Jan;36(1):93-6. Epub 2013 Jan 1.

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) infection is geographically restricted, affecting West African countries such as Guinea- Bissau and Cape Verde. We describe a recent case of HIV-2 infection in an Italian patient. Phylogenetic analysis of the V3 region of HIV-2 indicated that the Italian patient was infected by HIV-2 subtype A2. The sequence obtained from the Italian patient clustered significantly with a sequence isolated from Senegal. A phylogenetic doubt may arise from a Guinea Bissau sequence because it was in a major clade with the Italian and Senegal sequences, but was not statistically significant. The discovery of another Italian case over a short time frame stresses the importance of strengthening the surveillance system for HIV-2 because of the increase in migration from endemic areas to Italy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blotting, Western
  • Emigration and Immigration
  • Epidemiologic Studies
  • Female
  • Genes, env / genetics
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV-2 / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Phylogeography
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Senegal / ethnology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / ethnology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / virology