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Isolates from four different HIV type 1 clades circulating in Cuba identified by DNA sequence of the C2-V3 region
C E Gómez1, E Iglesias, W Perdomo
1Departamento de SIDA, División de Vacunas, Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología, Havana, Cuba.
Insights
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in Cuba shows diverse subtypes circulating, not just the predominant subtype B. This study identified subtypes A, H, and C among Cuban patients, challenging previous assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection epidemiology in Cuba historically linked to international transmission.
- Initial Cuban HIV-1 isolates were predominantly classified as subtype B.
- Understanding the genetic diversity of circulating HIV strains is crucial for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the genetic diversity of the gp120 C2/V3 region of HIV-1 isolates from Cuban patients.
- To identify subtypes beyond the previously assumed predominant subtype B.
- To investigate the presence of atypical V3 loop sequences in Cuban HIV-1 isolates.
Main Methods:
- DNA isolation from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or primary isolates.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of the gp120 C2/V3 region.
- Direct sequencing of amplified DNA fragments.
Main Results:
- Out of 11 HIV-1 isolates sequenced, 6 were classified as subtype B.
- Three subtype B isolates exhibited atypical V3 loop tip sequences: GRGR, GWGR, and TPGR.
- Additional subtypes identified include two subtype A, two subtype H, and one subtype C.
- These findings indicate the circulation of multiple HIV-1 subtypes in Cuba.
Conclusions:
- HIV-1 subtype B is predominant in Cuba, but not exclusive.
- The presence of diverse HIV-1 subtypes (A, H, C) alongside subtype B highlights the complex epidemiology.
- Atypical V3 loop sequences in subtype B isolates warrant further investigation for potential implications.
Abstract:
According to the epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus infection in Cuba, the main sources of infection have been persons coming from foreign countries, mainly from Africa, and individuals who have had sexual contacts with foreigners in Cuba. However, the first Cuban HIV-1 isolates sequenced have been all classified as subtype B. In this note we report the sequence of the gp120 C2/V3 region from 11 HIV-1 isolates from Cuban patients. DNA was isolated either directly from blood PBMC or from primary isolates, PCR amplified and sequenced. Six isolates were classified as subtype B and three of them had the atypical sequences GRGR, GWGR, and TPGR on the tip of the V3 loop. Besides, two other sequences were classified as subtype A, two as subtype H, and one as subtype C. These results confirm that although subtype B seems to be predominant, HIV-1 isolates from various subtypes do circulate in Cuba.