HIV-1 variants in South and South-East Asia
Tsuchie, H.; Saraswathy, T.S.; Sinniah, M.; Vijayamalar, B.; Maniar, J.K.; Monzon, O.T.; Santana, R.T.; Paladin, F.J.; Wasi, C.; Thongcharoen, P.
International Journal of Std and Aids 6(2): 117-120
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0956-4624 PMID: 7779924 DOI: 10.1177/095646249500600211Document Number: 293038
HIV spread in South and South-East Asia is most alarming, and genetic variability of HIV-1 is an important consideration in vaccine development. In this study, we examined the third variable (V3) region of env gene of HIV-1 variants prevalent in Thailand, Malaysia, India, and the Philippines. By phylogenetic tree analyses, an HIV-1 variant from an injecting drug user (IDU) in Thailand belonged to subtype B, and HIV-1 variants from 2 IDUs in Malaysia were classified into 2 subtypes, B and E. One HIV-1 variant from a male homosexual in the Philippines belonged to subtype B. Out of 8 HIV-1 variants from sexually transmitted disease patients in India, 7 belonged to subtype C, and one to subtype A. Although the total number of individuals examined in this study was limited, 4 HIV-1 subtypes were found in South and South-East Asia and large international movements of HIV-1-infected individuals in this region could induce global dissemination of these HIV-1 variants.