Molecular Epidemiology of HIV Type 1 in Northern Brazil: Identification of Subtypes C and D and the Introduction of CRF02_AG in the Amazon Region of Brazil

Abstract

The molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 strains circulating in Belem-PA and Macapa-AP, in the Northern region of Brazil, is described using sequences of the C2V3 segment of the env and the pro gene of HIV-1 from patients of the Reference Unit for Special Infectious and Parasitary Diseases (URE-DIPE) in Belem-PA and the Central Laboratory (LACEN) in Macapa-AP. Subtype B was the most frequently found in relation to pro (88.3%) in Belem and in Macapa (97.1%) and env (88.3% in Belem and 100% in Macapa). Subtype F was also described in Belem (9.3% pro and 8.3% env) and Macapa (2.8% pro). Subtype D was described for the first time in the Northern region of the country as well as the recent entry of CRF02_AG. Furthermore, several possible recombinant forms among the various subtypes were found in both cities. The results support the hypothesis that HIV-1 infection is associated with the epidemic of the virus in the Southeast region of the country and that the city of Belem is the most important route for HIV-1 entry in the Northern region of Brazil.

Heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype C in southern Brazil

“…1). [2][3][4][5] However in the Southern region, a distinct profile is observed. Currently, depending on the state, 27-79% of HIV infections are caused by HIV-1C, 23-45% by HIV-1B, 3-29% by CRF31 BC and other BC recombinants, and HIV-1F and its recombinants account for up to 10% of infections.…”

Identification of Novel Resistance-Related Polymorphisms in HIV-1 Subtype C RT Connection and RNase H Domains from Patients Under Virological Failure in Brazil

“…2,3 In Brazil, the major circulating HIV-1 subtype is B (HIV-1B), yet other subtypes such as A1, C, D, F1, BF1, and BC recombinants have also been found. [4][5][6][7] The southern region of Brazil is unique, with an endemicity of HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1C). Several studies have reported an increase in HIV-1C prevalence in that region.…”

HIV-1 epidemiology and circulating subtypes in the countryside of South Brazil

“…The subtypes C, F1 and the recombinants BC and BF are usually observed at low frequencies in the majority of Brazilian cities and states (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) . The South Region (States of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná) contains 20% of Brazilian HIV-1/AIDS patients, with high rates of incidence (31.1 patients/100,000 inhabitants) and mortality (8.1 deaths/100,000 inhabitants) (3) .…”