BMC Infectious Diseases (Jan 2010)
Evidence for a "Founder Effect" among HIV-infected injection drug users (IDUs) in Pakistan
Abstract
Abstract Background We have previously reported a HIV-1 subtype A infection in a community of injection drug users (IDUs) in Karachi, Pakistan. We now show that this infection among the IDUs may have originated from a single source. Methods Phylogenetic analysis was performed of partial gag sequences, generated using PCR, from 26 HIV-positive IDU samples. Results Our results showed formation of a tight monophyletic group with an intra-sequence identity of Conclusion Specific measures need to implemented to control transmission of HIV infection in Pakistan through infected migrant workers.