HIV Molecular Epidemiology in the Middle East and North Africa: Understanding the Virus Transmission Patterns

Abstract

Abstract Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type I (HIV-1) is characterized by a high genetic variability. The distribution of HIV-1 subtypes in a population can help track transmission patterns and the evolution of the epidemic. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) continues to be perceived as a region with limited HIV epidemiological data, but recent research indicates that nascent HIV epidemics appear to be emerging among high-risk groups including injecting drug users (IDUs), men who have sex with men, and female sex workers. Objective: To review all evidence on HIV-1 subtype distribution in MENA where there remain several gaps in the understanding of the HIV epidemic. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review of all HIV-1 molecular epidemiology data in MENA was undertaken. Sources of data included 1) PubMed, 2) country-level reports and database including governmental and non-governmental organizations publications, and 3) international organizations reports and databases. Results: In sever...