AEGiS-12IAC: Analysis of the genetic diversity of HIV-1 group O.

12th International AIDS Conference


Geneva, Switzerland - June 28-July 3, 1998

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Analysis of the genetic diversity of HIV-1 group O.

Int Conf AIDS 1998 Jun 28-Jul 3; 12:21 (abstract no. 11195)

Hackett J Jr, Brennan CA, Yamaguchi J, Lund JK, Gurtler L, Zekeng L, Devare SG
Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.

OBJECTIVE: HIV-1 isolates have been classified into two major phylogenetic groups designated M and O. The extent of genetic divergence between HIV-1 group M and group O isolates has raised concerns related to the sensitivity of detection of group O infections. In the present study, we examine the degree of genetic variation among 16 HIV-1 group O isolates collected from patients in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, and the United States.

METHODS: Diagnostically relevant regions of gag, pol, and env were PCR amplified from plasma using RT-PCR or alternatively, from cells by PCR. Amplified products were sequenced directly or cloned and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of viral sequences was performed with the Phylip package.

RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis of gag p24 and env gp41 products formally established that these 16 isolates are HIV-1 group O. The percent amino acid identity within gag p24 of these isolates ranged from 88-97%. Amino acid identity for env gp41 ranged from 75-96% within the group O isolates examined and from 48-53% as compared to the HIV-1 group M, subtype B isolate HXB2R. A significant level of sequence divergence was also observed within the immunodominant region of env gp41 between these 16 group O isolates.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on this analysis, the degree of genetic variation between HIV-1 group O isolates is similar, if not greater than, that observed for group M. Sequence divergence between HIV-1 group O and group M isolates presents a challenge for development of diagnostic assays that detect all HIV-1 infections and development of broadly protective vaccines.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV-1, Variation (Genetics), HIV Infections, Immunodominant Epitopes, Polymerase Chain Reaction, DNA Primers, United States, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Germany, Human, genetics, immunology, ICA12KWDaegis,hiv-1,variation(genetics),hivinfections,immunodominantepitopes,polymerasechainreaction,dnaprimers,unitedstates,equatorialguinea,cameroon,germany,human,genetics,immunology,ica12
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Copyright © 1998 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.