The molecular epidemiology of HIV type 1 of men in Mexico

Genotypic characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in Mexico were investigated in a multicenter study that involved centers in f ive geographic regions of the country. Study samples (n = 65) collected fro m male patients in 1998-1999 were sequenced within the C2-V5 region of the gp120 env gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that subtype B predominates in Mexico, The level of interpatient nucleotide diversity (mean value of 8. 9%) was congruent with multiple introductions of the virus and the "aging" epidemic in Mexico. One-third of samples (30.8% of cases) showed polymorphi sm within the crown of the V3 loop demonstrating non-GPGR motifs, Two new m otifs in the V3 loop crown-HPGG and GPEG-were observed. The evolution of th e AIDS epidemic in Mexico should be closely monitored since non-B HIV-1 sub types might be introduced. The nucleotide sequences were deposited in the G enBank under accession numbers AF200855-AF200869, AF200871-AF200892, and AF 200894-AF200921.