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Dual and recombinant infections: an integral part of the HIV-1 epidemic in Brazil

A Ramos1, A Tanuri, M Schechter

  • 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|March 19, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Multiple and recombinant HIV infections are emerging in Brazil, with subtypes B and F being common. These coinfections are a growing part of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, highlighting viral diversity.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic is characterized by diverse and evolving viral subtypes.
  • Understanding the prevalence of multiple and recombinant HIV infections is crucial for vaccine development and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically evaluate the prevalence of dual and recombinant HIV-1 infections in a cohort of individuals in Brazil.
  • To characterize the specific subtypes involved in these complex infections and identify any associated demographic or clinical factors.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 79 HIV-1 infected individuals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was followed for one year.
  • Molecular screening assays and DNA sequencing were employed to detect and characterize viral subtypes, dual infections, and recombinant forms.

Main Results:

  • Out of 79 participants, 3 (3.8%) had dual infections (HIV-1 subtypes F/B, F/D, B/D), and 6 (7.6%) had recombinant infections (predominantly B/F mosaics).
  • The majority (88.6%) had single subtype infections.
  • No significant associations were found between dual/recombinant infections and demographic or clinical variables.

Conclusions:

  • Dual and recombinant HIV-1 infections are an emerging and significant component of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Brazil.
  • The findings underscore the genetic diversity of HIV in regions with coexisting multiple viral subtypes, impacting epidemic dynamics.

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