Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) subtype surveillance of African-born persons at risk for group O and group N HIV infections in the United States

A population-based surveillance registry was used to identify human immunod eficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons in the United States at increased ri sk for group O and group N infections (those born in or near African countr ies where group O infection has been reported). Of 155 eligible subjects, 3 7 gave samples. By phylogenetic and serologic analysis, 32 were infected wi th group M (16 with subtype A, 5 with B, 7 with C, and 1 each with subtypes D, F2, G, and recombinant A/J) and 2 with group O but none with group N vi rus. For 3, samples could not be typed by serology or amplified by polymera se chain reaction using group M-, O-, or N-specific primers. In the United States, group O HIV infection is uncommon; no case of group N infection was found. African-born persons may have HIV strains typical of their birth co untry. Ongoing subtype surveillance may allow early identification of novel or emerging HIV strains.