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Genetic differences between human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subpopulations in faeces and serum
L van der Hoek1, C J Sol, J Maas
1Department of Human Retrovirology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. L.VANDERHOEK@AMC.UVA.NL
The Journal of General Virology
|February 24, 1998
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) compartmentalization was studied in the gut and blood. Significant genetic differences were found in HIV-1 strains between fecal and serum samples, particularly at N-linked glycosylation sites.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection affects multiple body systems.
- Understanding viral compartmentalization is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic compartmentalization of HIV-1 between the intestine and blood.
- To analyze differences in HIV-1 subpopulations in fecal and serum samples.
Main Methods:
- Paired fecal and serum samples were collected from 204 HIV-1-infected individuals.
- Direct sequencing of the gp120 V3 region was performed on samples from 33 individuals.
- Individual viral clones were sequenced from fecal and serum samples of 13 individuals.
Main Results:
- HIV-1 sequences from fecal and serum samples showed varying degrees of similarity, from nearly homologous to highly dissimilar.
- In 7 out of 13 individuals, a marked difference in V3 genotype distribution was observed between fecal and serum HIV-1 subpopulations.
- Significant differences were identified at an N-linked glycosylation site (amino acids 331-333) C-terminal to the V3 loop, with fecal subpopulations consistently possessing this site.
Conclusions:
- HIV-1 exhibits significant genetic compartmentalization between the gut and blood.
- Differences in glycosylation sites suggest distinct selective pressures acting on viral subpopulations in different body compartments.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of gut-specific viral evolution in HIV-1 infection.