Subtyping of HIV-1 BY gag heteroduplex mobility assay

Abstract

Background and Aims: Surveillance of the different HIV-1 subtypes has important implications for developing candidate
vaccines and understanding the dynamics of HIV-1 transmission in various populations. In this study, HIV-1 viral subtypes were
determined for homologies in p24 region by the heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA) in 124 patients and by sequencing of ‘gag
gene’ with sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in selected places all over India. Methodology: Proviral DNA from whole blood
and from PBMC’s from recent sero-converters and seropositive individuals were analyzed. Results: Of 121 samples analyzed, 115
(95%) were HIV-1 C subtype, 5(4%) were HIV-1 A subtype and 1(1%) was HIV-1 B subtype. Further analysis revealed that 114
(99%) of the C subtype samples had maximum homology to the C6-Indian reference strain, while 1 (1%) was most homologous to
the C3-Zambian strain. Conclusion: These findings have important implications for the design and testing of effective candidate
HIV-1 vaccines in India