Transmission network parameters estimated from HIV sequences for a nationwide epidemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Many studies of sexual behavior have shown that individuals vary greatly in their number of sexual partners over time, but it has proved difficult to obtain parameter estimates relating to the dynamics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission except in small-scale contact tracing studies. Recent developments in molecular phylodynamics have provided new routes to obtain these parameter estimates, and current clinical practice provides suitable data for entire infected populations.

Methods

A phylodynamic analysis was performed on partial pol gene sequences obtained for routine clinical care from 14,560 individuals, representing approximately 60% of the HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) under care in the United Kingdom.

Results

Among indiv

SUBMITTER: Leigh Brown AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3182313 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature