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Differences in perinatal transmission among human immunodeficiency virus type 1 genotypes
B Renjifo1, W Fawzi, D Mwakagile
1Department of Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Harvard Medical School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115-6017, USA. brenjifo@hsph.harvard.edu
Journal of Human Virology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Certain human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtypes, including A, C, and intersubtype recombinants, show a higher probability of mother-to-child transmission compared to subtype D. This suggests HIV-1 genetic subtypes influence vertical transmission rates.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) remains a significant route of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection globally.
- Understanding factors influencing HIV-1 transmission, including viral genetic subtypes, is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether different human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genetic subtypes (A, C, D) and intersubtype recombinants exhibit varying probabilities of vertical transmission from mother to child.
- To identify specific HIV-1 genotypes associated with increased risk of mother-to-child transmission.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 51 matched transmitting and non-transmitting mothers from Tanzania was conducted.
- HIV-1 genetic subtypes were determined using nucleotide sequences from the gag (p24-p7) and env (C2-C5) regions.
- Matched logistic regression analysis was employed to compare transmission probabilities among different HIV-1 genotypes.
Main Results:
- Mothers infected with HIV-1 subtypes A, C, or intersubtype recombinant viruses demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of transmitting HIV-1 to their infants compared to those with subtype D.
- Lower CD4 cell counts were associated with increased HIV-1 transmission.
- Differences in transmission rates among HIV-1 genotypes could not be explained by CD4 cell counts alone.
Conclusions:
- HIV-1 genotypes may be associated with differential risks for vertical transmission.
- These findings provide initial evidence that specific HIV-1 genetic subtypes play a role in the rates of mother-to-child transmission in an African population.