Changing profile of HIV-1 serotypes in Iceland during 1989-96

A total of 63 HIV-1 strains collected in Iceland during the years 1989-96 were typed into serotypes A-E using a peptide-based enzyme immunoassay. The majority of the strains were of serotype B (66.6%). 22.2% were untypeable by this method. Until 1993 only serotype B was found, but in 1993 and after that date other serotypes, especially E (7.9%) were detected, indicating the spread of serotypes previously confined to developing countries. This may reflect the increase in the number of Icelanders travelling to distant countries and the increased immigration into Iceland from developing countries.