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Genotypic Inference of HIV-1 Tropism Using Population-based Sequencing of V3
Published on: December 27, 2010
Phenotypic characterization of HIV type 1 isolates from Ghana
J A M Brandful1, M E Coetzer, T Cilliers
1Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses
|February 1, 2007
Summary
Most HIV-1 infections in Ghana are caused by CCR5-tropic viruses, even in symptomatic patients. This suggests CCR5-blocking therapies could be effective for HIV prevention and treatment in the region.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- HIV-1 subtypes and coreceptor tropism vary geographically.
- Understanding viral characteristics is crucial for effective HIV-1 prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize HIV-1 coreceptor tropism and genetic subtypes in Ghanaian patients.
- To assess the potential of CCR5-blocking strategies for HIV-1 in Ghana.
Main Methods:
- Viral isolates from 27 HIV-1-infected Ghanaian patients were analyzed.
- Coreceptor usage was determined using MT-2 and U87.CD4 cell lines.
- Genotyping involved sequencing the gp41 region and V3 loop of the HIV-1 genome.
Main Results:
- Most isolates were CCR5-tropic, regardless of clinical status.
- Seven viruses were subtype G, and 20 were subtype A, often CRF02_AG-like.
- CXCR4-using viruses exhibited genetic traits associated with tropism in subtypes B and C.
Conclusions:
- CRF02_AG remains the predominant HIV-1 strain in Ghana.
- The prevalence of CCR5-tropic viruses supports CCR5-blocking as a viable therapeutic and preventive approach.
