Subtype and sequence analysis of the ENV gene of HIV-1 drug users in Guangdong Pearl River delta

Abstract

To determine the subtype of HIV-1 of drug users (DUS) in Guangdong Pearl River delta. HIV-1 pro-viral DNA from buffy coat of 43 DUS in Guangdong was amplified by nested PCR. The C2-V3 regions of HIV-1 ENV gene was sequenced directly from the PCR product and analyzed. The 43 DUS were confirmed to be infected with four HIV-1 subtype or Circulating Recombinant Form (CRFs): 07-BC(n=29), AE(n=9), 08-BC(n=3) and B(n=2). Genetic distances showed that the AE group was the closest to CM240 strain isolated in Thailand which is mainly circulating in sexually transmitted infector. The 07-BC group was the closest to C54A strain isolated in Northeastern China. The 08-BC group was the closest to 97CNGX-9F strain isolated in Guangxi, China. The B strain was the closest to rl42 strain isolated in Thailand. HIV-1 CRFs 07-BC predominates in DUS in Guangdong Pearl River delta.