Sequence Note: Evidence of a High Frequency of HIV-1 Subtype F Infections in a Heterosexual Population in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract

We analyzed HIV-1 genetic variability, phylogenetic relationships, and association with transmission modes among 58 HIV-1-infected patients from Buenos Aires City, Argentina. The 58 strains were classified as env^gp41 HIV-1 group M subtype B (n = 34) and subgroup F1 of subtype F (n = 24). Potential recombinants combining parts of viral regions from different subtypes, B^prot/F^env and F^prot/B^env, were found in two patients, and a dual infection with HIV-1 prot subtypes B and F was identified in one individual. Epidemiologic analysis of behavioral risks revealed that the frequency of infection with subtype F viruses was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) among heterosexual patients (71%) compared with homosexual patients (11%). The spread of non-B subtypes into heterosexual populations may be more common than previously thought. Our findings provide important information for monitoring the transmission of HIV-1 strains among different risk groups in Argentina as well as for vaccine development.