Emergence of X4 usage among HIV-1 subtype C: evidence for an evolving epidemic in South Africa

AIDS. 2008 Apr 23;22(7):896-9. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0b013e3282f57f7a.

Abstract

This study investigated the genotype and phenotype of HIV-1 isolates of 20 South African AIDS patients. We found the highest percentage of CXCR4 usage among primary isolates, in which 30% efficiently utilized CXCR4 and exhibited the syncytium-inducing phenotype. Phylogenetic analysis of env confirmed that 19 of the 20 were subtype C, and syncytium-inducing viruses had genetic changes in the V3 loop, characteristic of CXCR4 usage. Results imply that the frequency of CXCR4-utilizing subtype C is increasing with time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / metabolism
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / virology*
  • Adult
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Cohort Studies
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Female
  • Genes, env
  • Genotype
  • Giant Cells / virology
  • HIV-1 / genetics
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, CCR5 / metabolism*
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / metabolism*
  • South Africa

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Receptors, CCR5
  • Receptors, CXCR4