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HIV-1 D subtype viruses in Finland
T Laukkanen1, K Liitsola, M Salminen
1National Public Health Institute, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, HIV Laboratory, Mannerheimintie 166, 00300 Helsinki, Finland.
Clinical and Diagnostic Virology
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 subtype D strains were identified in Finland, showing significant genomic diversity. These distinct HIV-1 D subtype viruses highlight the heterogeneity of strains circulating within the country.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 strains are classified into seven subtypes (A-H) based on gag sequences.
- Finland exhibits unusual HIV-1 strain heterogeneity, with up to 25% of non-B subtypes.
- Three HIV-1 subtype D cases were identified in Finland, involving one Kenyan immigrant and two Finnish men infected in Africa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the genomic diversity of identified HIV-1 subtype D strains in Finland.
- To investigate potential transmission links between these cases.
- To analyze differences in viral isolates from blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
Main Methods:
- Direct solid-phase sequencing of the p7 gag region for genotyping.
- Phylogenetic analysis using standard methodologies.
Main Results:
- HIV-1 subtype D sequences clustered distinctly from other non-B strains.
- No transmission links were suggested between the three identified cases.
- Significant genetic differences, including a four amino acid duplication, were observed between blood and cerebrospinal fluid viral isolates from one patient.
Conclusions:
- Confirms the presence of HIV-1 subtype D viruses in Finland.
- Highlights considerable heterogeneity within the identified HIV-1 subtype D strains.
- Underscores the genetic variability of HIV-1 strains within a specific geographic region.