Different distribution of HIV type 1 genetic variants in European patientswith distinct risk practices

The use of two genetic markers has permitted the analysis of the distributi on of two different human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) variants in patients of the homosexual (HO) and intravenous drug user (IDU) groups in distinct European countries. In Germany, Holland, and Italy the variants ci rculating in each risk group of HO and IDU patients were genetically distin guishable according to the genetic markers used. In contrast, in France and Spain, the same variant has been recovered from patients with different ri sk practices. These data highlight the diversity of the HIV-1 epidemic in E urope and the different patterns of HIV-1 variant distribution in European countries.