Origin and Epidemiological History of HIV-1 CRF14_BG in Portugal
Author Information
Author(s): Bártolo Inês, Abecasis Ana B., Borrego Pedro, Barroso Helena, McCutchan Francine, Gomes Perpétua, Camacho Ricardo, Taveira Nuno
Primary Institution: Unidade dos Retrovírus e Infecções Associadas, Centro de Patogénese Molecular, Faculdade de Farmácia de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
Hypothesis
This study aimed to identify the origin of CRF14_BG and reconstruct its epidemiological history based on new isolates from Portugal.
Conclusion
CRF14_BG emerged in Portugal in the early 1990s and spread to Spain in the late 1990s due to intravenous drug user migration.
Supporting Evidence
- CRF14_BG was already circulating in Portugal in 1993.
- Genetic diversity of the Portuguese isolates was significantly higher than the Spanish isolates.
- Most CRF14_BG strains (78.9%) were predicted to be CXCR4 tropic.
Takeaway
Scientists studied blood samples from people with HIV in Portugal to find out where a specific strain called CRF14_BG came from and how it spread.
Methodology
C2V3C3 env gene sequences were obtained from 62 samples collected from HIV-1 patients in Portugal, and phylogenetic analysis was performed.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in sample selection and the retrospective nature of the study.
Limitations
The study may not account for all possible strains circulating in Portugal and the historical data may have gaps.
Participant Demographics
Participants included HIV-1 patients from Portugal, with samples collected between 1993 and 1998.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
1989-1996 for subtype G, 1984-1993 for subtype B
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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