HIV-1 diversity in France, 1996-1998. The AC 11 laboratory network

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) exhibits significant genetic diversity, with various subtypes co-circulating globally.
• Understanding the distribution of HIV-1 subtypes is crucial for effective public health strategies and clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of different HIV-1 subtypes in France.
• To characterize individuals infected with non-B HIV-1 subtypes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of newly diagnosed HIV-1 positive adults in France was studied between September 1996 and March 1998.
• Plasma samples underwent serotyping and genotyping to identify HIV-1 subtypes.
• Patient demographics and transmission risk factors were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Of 2042 patients with available subtype data, 84.5% were infected with subtype B.
• Non-B subtypes were identified in 15.5% of cases, with subtype A being the most common.
• Factors associated with non-B subtype infection included residence in the Paris area, birth in sub-Saharan Africa, and heterosexual transmission.

Conclusions:

• HIV-1 subtype B is predominant in France, but a wide array of non-B subtypes are now present.
• The increasing diversity of HIV strains may impact the accuracy of diagnostic tests and viral load measurements.
• Monitoring HIV diversity is essential due to potential implications for antiretroviral drug susceptibility.