Abstract
HIV-1 is a major health problem in South Africa with more than 6 million people infected. One of the features of the virus is the extreme genetic diversity, resulting in an uneven distribution of the different viral subtypes. This diversity may also impact on diagnostic assays, antiretroviral treatment, prevention and vaccine development. We investigated the diversity and molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in the CapeTown area between 1984 and 2010. Materials and methods Patient samples were collected from the Cape Town area between 1984 and 2010. HIV-1 RNA was extracted, amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced. High resolution phylogenetic analysis was used to investigate the molecular epidemiology and introduction of HIV-1 into
Highlights
HIV-1 is a major health problem in South Africa with more than 6 million people infected
We investigated the diversity and molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in the CapeTown area between 1984 and 2010
Molecular clock and likelihood mapping analysis indicated that HIV-1 subtype C was introduced in South Africa, dating back to the 1960-1970s, much earlier than previously thought
Summary
HIV-1 is a major health problem in South Africa with more than 6 million people infected. One of the features of the virus is the extreme genetic diversity, resulting in an uneven distribution of the different viral subtypes. This diversity may impact on diagnostic assays, antiretroviral treatment, prevention and vaccine development. We investigated the diversity and molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in the CapeTown area between 1984 and 2010
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
