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Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of HIV-1 variants circulating in Italy

Authors: Luigi Buonaguro, Annacarmen Petrizzo, Maria Tagliamonte, Francesca Vitone, Maria Carla Re, Elisabetta Pilotti, Claudio Casoli, Costanza Sbreglia, Oreste Perrella, Maria Lina Tornesello, Franco M Buonaguro

Published in: Infectious Agents and Cancer | Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Objective

The continuous identification of HIV-1 non-B subtypes and recombinant forms in Italy indicates the need of constant molecular epidemiology survey of genetic forms circulating and transmitted in the resident population.

Methods

The distribution of HIV-1 subtypes has been evaluated in 25 seropositive individuals residing in Italy, most of whom were infected through a sexual route during the 1995–2005 period. Each sample has been characterized by detailed molecular and phylogenetic analyses.

Results

18 of the 25 samples were positive at HIV-1 PCR amplification. Three samples showed a nucleotide divergence compatible with a non-B subtype classification. The phylogenetic analysis, performed on both HIV-1 env and gag regions, confirms the molecular sub-typing prediction, given that 1 sample falls into the C subtype and 2 into the G subtype. The B subtype isolates show high levels of intra-subtype nucleotide divergence, compatible with a long-lasting epidemic and a progressive HIV-1 molecular diversification.

Conclusion

The Italian HIV-1 epidemic is still mostly attributable to the B subtype, regardless the transmission route, which shows an increasing nucleotide heterogeneity. Heterosexual transmission and the interracial blending, however, are slowly introducing novel HIV-1 subtypes. Therefore, a molecular monitoring is needed to follow the constant evolution of the HIV-1 epidemic.

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Title: Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of HIV-1 variants circulating in Italy
Authors: Luigi Buonaguro
Annacarmen Petrizzo
Maria Tagliamonte
Francesca Vitone
Maria Carla Re
Elisabetta Pilotti
Claudio Casoli
Costanza Sbreglia
Oreste Perrella
Maria Lina Tornesello
Franco M Buonaguro
Publication date: 01-12-2008
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Infectious Agents and Cancer / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1750-9378
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1750-9378-3-13

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Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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