Genetic characterization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 transmission in the Middle East and North Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The HIV-1 spread in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has not been previously characterised using the phylogenetic approach. The aim of the current study was to investigate the genetic diversity and domestic transmission of HIV-1 in the MENA.

Methods

A total of 2036 HIV-1 sequences available in Genbank and collected in the MENA during 1988-2016 were used together with 715 HIV-1 reference sequences that were retrieved from Genbank based on genetic similarity with the MENA sequences. The REGA and COMET tools were used to determine HIV-1 subtypes and circulating recombinant forms. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were used to identify and date HIV-1 transmission clusters.

Results

At least 21 HIV-1 subtypes and recombinant forms were

SUBMITTER: Sallam M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5506879 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature