Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
14:23
A Restriction Enzyme Based Cloning Method to Assess the In vitro Replication Capacity of HIV-1 Subtype C Gag-MJ4 Chimeric Viruses
Published on: August 31, 2014
HIV-1 epidemic in the Caribbean is dominated by subtype B
Yuka Nadai1, Lindsay M Eyzaguirre, Anne Sill
1Institute of Human Virology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.
Plos One
|March 13, 2009
Summary
Nearly full genome sequencing of HIV-1 in the Caribbean reveals subtype B is dominant. Caribbean HIV-1 subtype B strains are genetically distinct from other global strains, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular epidemiology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- HIV-1 molecular epidemiology in the Caribbean previously studied using partial genome sequencing.
- Subtype B is the most prevalent HIV-1 subtype across multiple Caribbean nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct nearly full genome sequencing of HIV-1 strains from the Caribbean.
- To expand the understanding of HIV-1 molecular epidemiology in the region.
Main Methods:
- Nearly full genome amplification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of HIV-1 virion RNA from patient sera.
- Analysis included 15 nearly full genomes and 67 partial pol gene sequences.
Main Results:
- Subtype B was the predominant HIV-1 subtype, with one B/C recombinant identified in the Dominican Republic.
- All 14 fully sequenced subtype B strains were consistently subtype B throughout their genomes.
- Caribbean subtype B strains formed a distinct phylogenetic cluster, separate from other global subtype B strains.
Conclusions:
- Nearly full genome analysis confirms subtype B as the dominant HIV-1 strain in the studied Caribbean countries.
- Caribbean HIV-1 subtype B strains exhibit significant phylogenetic distinctiveness from other global subtype B strains.
- The biological implications of this distinct clustering require further research.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
01:29Subviral Agents
Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...
02:33Retroviruses
Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
00:36Viral Mutations
A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material for adaptive...
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
01:28Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Infectious diseases appear in populations through various transmission patterns, influenced by pathogen characteristics, population immunity, environmental conditions, and social behavior. Understanding these patterns is essential for effective public health surveillance and intervention. These categories—sporadic, outbreak, epidemic, pandemic, and endemic—help frame the nature and scope of disease events.Sporadic diseases occur irregularly and infrequently, without a predictable temporal or...