Identification and genomic sequence of an HIV type 1 group N isolate from Cameroon

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2004 Aug;20(8):902-8. doi: 10.1089/0889222041725262.

Abstract

HIV-infected plasma specimens, collected in Cameroon between 1999 and 2002, were screened for HIV-1 group N and SIVcpz infections using a serological screening algorithm based on immunoassays with antigens derived from HIV-1 group M, N, and O, and SIVcpz strains. Specimens with reactivity to group N and SIVcpz antigens were characterized by RT-PCR and sequence analysis to identify the infecting virus. Although several specimens were serotyped as potential group N or SIVcpz infections, only one group N infection was confirmed. The specimen, 02CM-DJO0131, was collected in 2002 from a hospital patient at the D'Joungolo Hospital, Yaoundé. The virus genome was amplified as seven overlapping fragments comprising 8938 nucleotides. Phylogenetic analysis shows that 02CM-DJO0131 branches with group N sequences. With this study, three near full-length sequences are now available for group N. While we confirm the presence of group N in the Cameroonian population, group N infections continue to be rare and difficult to identify.

MeSH terms

  • Cameroon / epidemiology
  • Gene Products, env / chemistry
  • Gene Products, env / genetics
  • Genome, Viral*
  • HIV Infections / blood
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV-1 / classification*
  • HIV-1 / genetics
  • HIV-1 / immunology
  • HIV-1 / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / classification
  • Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / genetics

Substances

  • Gene Products, env

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AY532635