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HIV-1 subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) in Northern Greece
Anna Papa1, Evagelia Papadimitriou, Androniki Papoutsi
1Department of Microbiology, National AIDS Reference Laboratory of Northern Greece, School of Medicine, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, 54006, Greece. annap@med.auth.gr
Virus Research
|April 17, 2002
Summary
Genetic analysis of HIV-1 in Northern Greece reveals subtype B dominance. A notable increase in CRF04_cpx strains suggests this complex recombinant is a significant factor in the ongoing Greek HIV-1 epidemic.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- The genetic diversity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) is crucial for understanding epidemic dynamics and developing effective interventions.
- Northern Greece represents a region where detailed characterization of HIV-1 genetic diversity is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic diversity of HIV-1 isolates in Northern Greece.
- To determine the predominant HIV-1 subtypes and identify any emerging recombinant forms contributing to the local epidemic.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of the polymerase (pol) gene region was performed on 51 HIV-1 positive specimens from Northern Greece.
- Sequence-based typing was employed to classify viral isolates into known subtypes and circulating recombinant forms.
Main Results:
- Subtype B was the predominant HIV-1 pol subtype, identified in 82.3% of specimens.
- Other identified subtypes included A (5.9%) and CRF01_AE (2%).
- A significant proportion (9.8%) of isolates were identified as CRF04_cpx, a complex recombinant form, which is higher than previously reported.
Conclusions:
- The HIV-1 epidemic in Northern Greece is primarily driven by subtype B.
- The increased prevalence of CRF04_cpx strains indicates a growing contribution of this complex recombinant to the Greek HIV-1 epidemic.
- These findings highlight the importance of ongoing molecular surveillance to track evolving HIV-1 genetic diversity.