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Polymorphism, recombination, and mutations in HIV type 1 gag-infecting Peruvian male sex workers

Carlos Augusto Yabar1, Javier Salvatierra, Eberth Quijano

  • 1Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru. cyabar@ins.gob-pe

AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses
|November 13, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals significant genetic diversity in the HIV gag gene among male sex workers in Peru, including unique mixed variants and deleterious mutations. This highlights the need for targeted HIV prevention and treatment strategies for this population.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Previous studies documented HIV genetic diversity in female sex workers (FSW) in Peru.
  • Genetic diversity data for male sex workers (MSW) was lacking.
  • Understanding HIV genetic diversity is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the genetic diversity of the HIV gag gene in Peruvian male sex workers (MSW).
  • To compare HIV genetic profiles between MSW, FSW, and non-sex workers (NSW).
  • To identify potential deleterious mutations in conserved regions of the Gag protein.

Main Methods:

  • DNA was extracted from 147 HIV-infected MSW and FSW.
  • A fragment of the gag gene (p24-p7 region) was amplified and analyzed using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP).
  • Phylogenetic and intragenic recombination analyses were performed on a subset of samples.

Main Results:

  • RFLP identified 11 genetic variants for AluI and 5 for MspI, with distinct distributions between MSW, FSW, and NSW.
  • Nine cases of mixed genetic variants were found in MSW, one in FSW, and none in NSW.
  • Phylogenetic analysis confirmed all HIV-1 strains as subtype B, with one B/C recombination case identified in an FSW.
  • Deleterious mutations were observed in conserved Gag domains in three MSW and one FSW.

Conclusions:

  • HIV circulating in Peruvian MSW exhibits high genetic polymorphism in the gag gene's p24-p7 region.
  • The presence of mixed genetic variants and deleterious mutations in MSW warrants further investigation.
  • Findings underscore the importance of considering genetic diversity in HIV control programs targeting key populations.

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