Abstract
We analyzed HIV-1 genetic variability, phylogenetic relationships, and association with transmission modes among 58 HIV-1-infected patients from Buenos Aires City, Argentina. The 58 strains were classified as env gp41 HIV-1 group M subtype B (n = 34) and subgroup F1 of subtype F (n = 24). Potential recombinants combining parts of viral regions from different subtypes, B prot /F env and F prot /B env , were found in two patients, and a dual infection with HIV-1 prot subtypes B and F was identified in one individual. Epidemiologic analysis of behavioral risks revealed that the frequency of infection with subtype F viruses was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) among heterosexual patients (71%) compared with homosexual patients (11%). The spread of non-B subtypes into heterosexual populations may be more common than previously thought. Our findings provide important information for monitoring the transmission of HIV-1 strains among different risk groups in Argentina as well as for vaccine development.
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