[Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of HIV-1 isolates circulating in Russia]

HIV-1 genetic subtypes were analyzed by the heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA) in 125 samples derived in 1995-1996 from residents of the European part of Russia. The results indicate the prevalence of six subtypes (A, B, C, D, G, and H) in the Russian Federation, with four types (A, B, C, and G) predominating (95%). The viruses belonging to subtypes A, B, and C spread via heterosexual contacts, subtype B mainly through homosexual intercourse. The majority of subtype G isolates are epidemiologically linked with previously reported nosocomial infection of children and their mothers with HIV-1 in Southern Russia. Nucleotide sequence analysis of env encoded region confirmed the results of HMA.