Molecular screening shows extensive HIV-1 genetic diversity in Central West Brazil

BackgroundInformation is limited about HIV-1 subtypes circulating in less populated Brazilian areas where the AIDS epidemic is expanding, such as in the Central West region.ObjectiveTo describe HIV-1 subtypes in patients from the States of Goias, Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso in Central West Brazil.Study designHeteroduplex mobility analysis of nested-PCR products from env (primers: ED5/ED12, ES7/ES8) and gag regions (primers: H1P202/H1G777, H1Gag1584/g17) of 406 HIV-1 isolates from Goias (n = 271), Mato Grosso do Sul (n = 85) and Mato Grosso (n = 50) collected from 2001 to 2004.ResultsMedian age of patients was 26 years (1–79 range), 68.7% (279/406) females, 69.9% (269/385) sexual exposure, 14.3% parenteral risk, 15.8% vertical cases. Overall 69.9% (284/406) of HIV-1 subtypes were concordant Benv/Bgag, 1.7% Fenv/Fgag and 1% Cenv/Cgag. Discordant HIV-1 isolates were 14.5% (59/406), mainly Benv/Fgag and Fenv/Bgag (49/59); five were Benv/Dgag, four Benv/Cgag and one Cenv/Dgag. B/B and discordant B/F isolates were detected among all risk categories and among children and adults.ConclusionExtensive genetic diversity of HIV-1 was observed in Central West Brazil. Continued molecular studies should monitor the changing dynamics of HIV-1 over time especially in areas where the epidemic is growing.