Presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1, group M, non-B subtypes, Bronx, New York: A sentinel site for monitoring HIV genetic diversityin the United States

In the United States, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1, group M, s ubtype B is the predominant subtype, A cross-sectional study of HIV-infecte d patients at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Bronx, NY, between Septemb er 1997 and February 1998 identified 3 (1.2%) of 252 persons infected with non-B subtypes: subtypes A and F, 1 each, and I potential recombinant subty pe B(env)/F(prt). All 3 persons were born in the United States and tested p ositive for HIV antibodies between 1988 and 1997 while living in the Bronx, None reported travel to other countries, receipt of blood products, or dru g injection. This study is among the first to indicate probable transmissio n of non-B HIV-1 subtypes in the United States. The occurrence of non-B HIV -1 subtypes in long-term US residents without a history of foreign travel m ay have implications for the evaluation and development of antiretroviral d rugs, vaccines, and tests intended for use in the United States to diagnose HIV infection and screen blood.