Related Experiment Videos
Multiple introductions of HIV-1 subtype E into the western hemisphere
A W Artenstein1, J Coppola, A E Brown
1Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
Lancet (London, England)
|November 4, 1995
Summary
Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype E, prevalent in Southeast Asia, was found in Uruguayan personnel infected abroad. Domestic infections were primarily subtype B, indicating multiple HIV-1 introductions globally.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Nine genetic subtypes of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) are recognized globally.
- HIV-1 subtype E is the predominant strain driving the epidemic in Southeast Asia.
- Understanding HIV-1 subtype distribution is crucial for effective global epidemic control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic subtypes of HIV-1 in Uruguayan military personnel.
- To determine the origin of infection (Southeast Asia vs. South America) based on viral subtypes.
- To assess the implications of observed subtypes for the global HIV-1 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of HIV-1 viral subtypes from 11 Uruguayan military personnel.
- Categorization of infections based on acquisition location: United Nations deployment to Cambodia (Southeast Asia) or domestic acquisition in South America.
- Genotyping of HIV-1 strains to identify specific subtypes.
Main Results:
- HIV-1 subtype E was identified in five out of six infections acquired in Southeast Asia.
- HIV-1 subtype B was detected in all five domestically acquired infections in South America.
- The findings indicate multiple introductions of HIV-1 subtype E into the Western Hemisphere.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the presence of HIV-1 subtype E in Uruguay, linked to Southeast Asian deployment.
- Domestic HIV-1 infections in Uruguay are predominantly subtype B.
- Global HIV-1 genetic diversity necessitates consideration in worldwide epidemic control strategies.