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Amplifying and Quantifying HIV-1 RNA in HIV Infected Individuals with Viral Loads Below the Limit of Detection by Standard Clinical Assays
Published on: September 26, 2011
Molecular characterization of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 among children in Lima, Peru
A G Carrión1, V A Laguna-Torres, G Soto-Castellares
1U.S. Naval Medical Research Center Detachment (NMRCD), Lima, Perú.
Insights
Molecular epidemiology of pediatric HIV-1 in Peru revealed that 98% of children had subtype B, with 2% being BF recombinants. This study provides crucial insights into HIV diversity in children for future vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Limited data exists on the molecular epidemiology of pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Peru.
- The estimated mother-to-child transmission rate of HIV in Peru is approximately 2-4%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the molecular epidemiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) in infected children in Peru.
- To identify HIV-1 subtypes and recombinant forms circulating in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Whole blood samples were collected from 90 HIV-positive children diagnosed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot.
- Envelope heteroduplex mobility assay (env HMA) was performed, followed by sequence analysis of gag and pol gene regions.
Main Results:
- Subtype B was the predominant HIV-1 strain, found in 88 (98%) of the children studied.
- Two children (2%) were identified as having subtype BF recombinant strains, marking the first report of such recombinants in Peruvian children.
Conclusions:
- This study highlights the predominance of HIV-1 subtype B in Peruvian children, with the emergence of BF recombinants.
- Understanding HIV strain diversity is essential for developing targeted interventions and effective vaccines for pediatric populations globally.
Abstract:
In Peru, there is a lack of information on molecular analysis in pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. At present, the mother-to-child transmission rate is estimated at approximately 2-4%. The objective of this study was to assess the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in infected children. Children with suspected or confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis were evaluated at two public hospitals between 2002 and 2007. Whole blood samples were obtained from 90 HIV-positive children, who were confirmed to be positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. The specimens were subjected to envelope heteroduplex mobility assay (env HMA) followed by gag and pol gene region sequence analysis. Subtype B was found in 88 (98%) of 90 children and 2 (2%) children were subtype BF recombinants. This is the first report of recombinant HIV strains in HIV-infected children in Peru. Understanding the origin, diversity, and spread of HIV strains worldwide will be necessary for the development of an effective vaccine that targets pediatric populations throughout the world.
