Abstract
BackgroundLittle is known about HIV-1 subtype distribution in Morocco. Some data suggest an emergence of new HIV subtypes. We conducted phylogenetic analysis on a nationally representative sample of 60 HIV-1 viral specimens collected during 2004-2005 through the Morocco national HIV sentinel surveillance survey.ResultsWhile subtype B is still the most prevalent, 23.3% of samples represented non-B subtypes, the majority of which were classified as CRF02_AG (15%). Molecular clock analysis confirmed that the initial introduction of HIV-1B in Morocco probably came from Europe in the early 1980s. In contrast, the CRF02_AG strain appeared to be introduced from sub-Saharan Africa in two separate events in the 1990s.ConclusionsSubtype CRF02_AG has been emerging in Morocco since the 1990s. More information about the factors introducing HIV subtype-specific transmission will inform the prevention strategy in the region.
Highlights
Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) variability remains a formidable challenge for designing a protective vaccine or an effective cure
We investigated the pattern of HIV-1 subtype diversity and high-resolution phylogenetic analysis of a representative sample of 60 HIVinfected persons identified through the Morocco national HIV sentinel surveillance program
Sample collection Samples were collected as part of the sentinel surveillance system, a national HIV epidemic Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) surveillance survey carried out each spring by the Moroccan Ministry of Health to assess trends in the HIV epidemic
Summary
HIV-1 variability remains a formidable challenge for designing a protective vaccine or an effective cure. There is an unequal geographic distribution of HIV-1 subtypes and CRFs around the world characterized by different epidemic behaviours and growth rates [4]. In western Europe and North America, subtype B is the most prevalent whereas in sub-Saharan Africa subtypes A, C, D and CRF02_AG predominate [5,6,7]. This geographic distribution of HIV1 subtypes could result from migration, travel, or geographic accessibility. These factors may contribute to the transmission of these clades outside the regions. We conducted phylogenetic analysis on a nationally representative sample of 60 HIV-1 viral specimens collected during 2004-2005 through the Morocco national HIV sentinel surveillance survey
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
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