The origin and evolutionary history of HIV-1 subtype C in Senegal.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The classification of HIV-1 strains in subtypes and Circulating Recombinant Forms (CRFs) has helped in tracking the course of the HIV pandemic. In Senegal, which is located at the tip of West Africa, CRF02_AG predominates in the general population and Female Sex Workers (FSWs). In contrast, 40% of Men having Sex with Men (MSM) in Senegal are infected with subtype C. In this study we analyzed the geographical origins and introduction dates of HIV-1 C in Senegal in order to better understand the evolutionary history of this subtype, which predominates today in the MSM population

Methodology/principal findings

We used a combination of phylogenetic analyses and a Bayesian coalescent-based approach, to study the phylogenetic relationships in pol of 56 subtype C isolate

SUBMITTER: Jung M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3314668 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature