The origin and molecular epidemiology of HIV. Issue 9 (September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peeters, Martine; Jung, Matthieu; Ayouba, Ahidjo
• Is Part Of: Expert review of anti-infective therapy. Volume 11:Issue 9(2013)
• Page Start: 885
• Page End: 896
• Publication Date: 2013-09
• Subjects: cross-species transmission -- drug resistance -- evolution -- HIV-1 -- HIV-2 -- molecular epidemiology -- recombinant -- SIV -- subtype; Anti-infective agents -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.90461
• DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2013.825443
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-7210

Abstract

HIV-1 in humans resulted from at least four cross-species transmissions of simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) from chimpanzees and gorillas in West Central Africa, while HIV-2 viruses resulted from at least eight independent transmissions of SIVs infecting sooty mangabeys in West Africa only, where one of these transmissions (HIV-1 group M) is responsible for the global epidemic. HIV-1 M is subdivided into nine subtypes and a wide diversity of circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and unique recombinant forms. The heterogenic HIV-1 M subtype/CRF distribution is the result of founder effects. The genetic diversity of HIV-1 continues to increase overtime due to demographic factors such as travel and migration and frequent co/superinfections. In addition, the expanded access to antiretrovirals leads to an increasing number of drug-resistant strains, especially in resource limited countries.