Retrovirology (Sep 2006)

First report of an HIV-1 triple recombinant of subtypes B, C and F in Buenos Aires, Argentina

  • Weissenbacher Mercedes,
  • Sánchez José L,
  • Montano Silvia M,
  • Marone Rubén,
  • Ceballos Ana,
  • Bautista Christian T,
  • Segura Marcela,
  • Eyzaguirre Lindsay M,
  • Pando María A,
  • Ávila María M,
  • Carr Jean K

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4690-3-59
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 1
p. 59

Abstract

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Abstract We describe the genetic diversity of currently transmitted strains of HIV-1 in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Buenos Aires, Argentina between 2000 and 2004. Nearly full-length sequence analysis of 10 samples showed that 6 were subtype B, 3 were BF recombinant and 1 was a triple recombinant of subtypes B, C and F. The 3 BF recombinants were 3 different unique recombinant forms. Full genome analysis of one strain that was subtype F when sequenced in pol was found to be a triple recombinant. Gag and pol were predominantly subtype F, while gp120 was subtype B; there were regions of subtype C interspersed throughout. The young man infected with this strain reported multiple sexual partners and sero-converted between May and November of 2004. This study reported for the first time the full genome analysis of a triple recombinant between subtypes B, C and F, that combines in one virus the three most common subtypes in South America.