Presence of multiple non-B subtypes and divergent subtype B strains of HIV-1 in individuals infected after overseas deployment

Abstract

In the group of HIV-1-infected individuals that we studied and who were deployed overseas, 63.4% were infected with non-B strains. In addition, the subtype A, B and C viruses in this population were very heterogeneous. Due to the routine occurrence of international travel and deployment, the predominance of subtype B HIV-1 viruses may change in European countries. However, the possible implications on the dynamics of the HIV-1 epidemic needs further follow-up.

Phylogenetic Surveillance of Viral Genetic Diversity and the Evolving Molecular Epidemiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

“…HIV-1 strains may be introduced into a region either by migration of infected individuals from areas where the strain is prevalent or by infections acquired by locals while traveling in those areas (19,26,37). In general, the demographic profiles of infected individuals matched the geographic associations of the HIV-1 strain with which they were infected (Table 1).…”

Human retroviruses and AIDS 1997

“…7) FR1.ID#: This sequence is from a member of the French military who is believed to have been infected while deployed in Djibouti in 1991. It was classified as subtype C in [Lasky et al(1997)]. However, it has a GPGR V3 loop tip, and clusters with subtype B in phylogenetic analysis done for this section of the HTV Database Compendium.…”

“…All other subtype C as of November 1997 have GPGQ at the tip of the V3 loop. Other sequences from this study were subtypes A, B, C, E, and F. [Lasky et al(1997)]. Accession number U58787.…”

“…Other sequences from this study were subtypes A, B, C, E and unclassified. [Lasky et al(1997)]. Accession number U58807.…”

Integrating Laboratory and Epidemiological Techniques for Population‐Based Surveillance of HIV Strains and Drug Resistance in Canada

“…More data collection and analysis are required to confirm this hypothesis, but the impacts of travel and migration on blurring geographic distinctions of subtype distribution are well documented. The deployment of army personnel, for example, has been associated with the introduction of non-B subtypes into the United States (28), Uruguay (29) and France (30). Non-B subtypes have also been identified among immigrant populations originating from HIV-endemic countries living in the United States (27,31), England (22), Sweden (32), Netherlands (33), France (34) and Israel (35).…”