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Distribution of HIV-1 subtypes among HIV-seropositive patients in the interior of Côte d'Ivoire
J N Nkengasong1, C C Luo, L Abouya
1Laboratory of Virology, Project RETRO-CI, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. jcn5@cdc.gov
Insights
Most HIV-1 strains in Côte d'Ivoire are subtype A, including A/G circulating recombinant forms (CRF). This uniform subtype distribution suggests Côte d'Ivoire is a suitable location for HIV vaccine trials.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited data exist on the distribution of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genetic subtypes in Côte d'Ivoire.
- Understanding HIV-1 subtype distribution is crucial for effective treatment strategies and vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the genetic subtype distribution of HIV-1 strains across six regions in Côte d'Ivoire.
- To identify prevalent HIV-1 subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) in the study population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 172 HIV-1-infected patient samples collected from regional tuberculosis treatment centers in 1997.
- Utilized restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) assay on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified fragments and V3-loop peptide enzyme immunoassay (PEIA).
- DNA sequencing of protease or env genes for discordant samples and a random selection of concordant samples.
Main Results:
- Out of 169 samples initially classified as subtype A by RFLP, 159 (94%) were confirmed as subtype A by PEIA.
- Sequencing identified 163 (95%) specimens as subtype A, with other subtypes including D and G, and A/D and A/G (IbNG) CRFs.
- The predominant subtype identified was HIV-1 subtype A, with a significant presence of the A/G (IbNG) CRF.
Conclusions:
- HIV-1 subtype A, likely including the A/G (IbNG) CRF, is the predominant strain circulating among HIV-1 infected tuberculosis patients in Côte d'Ivoire.
- The uniform distribution of this subtype across multiple regions supports Côte d'Ivoire as a potential site for future HIV vaccine efficacy trials.
Abstract:
Limited data exist on the distribution of HIV-1 subtypes in Côte d'Ivoire. The aim of this study is to describe the distribution of genetic subtypes of HIV-1 strains in six regions of Côte d'Ivoire. In 1997, we consecutively collected blood from 172 HIV-1-infected patients from six regional tuberculosis treatment centers. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from these people were analyzed by a restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) assay that involves a sequential endonuclease digestion of a 297-base pair polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fragment; plasma samples were tested by a V3-loop peptide enzyme immunoassay (PEIA). DNA sequencing of the protease or env genes was performed on all samples discordant in the two assays as well as a random sample of the concordant subtyped samples. Of 172 specimens, 3 were PCR-negative, and 169 were putatively classified as subtype A by RFLP. The 3 PCR-negative samples were unequivocally subtyped A by PEIA. Of the 169 RFLP subtype A samples, 159 (94%) were subtyped A by PEIA. Of the 10 discordant samples, PEIA testing classified 3 as subtype C, 2 as D, and 5 as F. Sequencing of the env gene classified these samples as 1 subtype A, 4 Ds, and 5 Gs. Thus, 163 (95%) of the specimens were subtype A, 3 subtype D, 4 subtype G, 1 A/D, and 1 A/G (IbNG) circulating recombinant forms (CRF). In conclusion, most HIV-1-infected tuberculosis patients throughout the interior of Côte d'Ivoire are infected with HIV-1 subtype A, which are very likely the A/G (IbNG) CRF. The uniform distribution of this subtype makes Côte d'Ivoire a potential site for vaccine trials.