Evidence of a high frequency of HIV-1 subtype F infections in a heterosexual population in Buenos Aires, Argentina

We analyzed HIV-1 genetic variability, phylogenetic relationships, and asso ciation with transmission modes among 58 HIV-1-infected patients from Bueno s Aires City, Argentina. The 58 strains were classified as env(gp41) HIV-1 group M subtype B (n = 34) and subgroup F1 of subtype F (n = 24). Potential recombinants combining parts of viral regions from different subtypes, B-p rot/F-env and F-prot/B-env, were found in two patients, and a dual infectio n with HIV-1 prot subtypes B and F was identified in one individual. Epidem iologic analysis of behavioral risks revealed that the frequency of infecti on with subtype F viruses was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) among heter osexual patients (71%) compared with homosexual patients (11%). The spread of non-B subtypes into heterosexual populations may be more common than pre viously thought. Our findings provide important information for monitoring the transmission of HIV-1 strains among different risk groups in Argentina as well as for vaccine development.