Detection of intersubtype recombinants with respect to env and nef genes of HIV-1 among female sex workers in Calcutta, India

HIV-1 detected amon- female sex workers in Calcutta, India was characterized in respect to env and nef genes. A total of 39 HIV-1 seropositive samples were used in the study. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences of respective regions showed that 22 out of 39 samples (56.4%) were infected with subtype C with respect to both em, and nef genes; however, 17 samples (43.6%) showed distinct subtype discordance. Simplot analysis of these samples showed the presence of intersubtype recombination between subtypes C and B. Both env C/nef B and env B/nef C recombinants were found to be present; 16 samples were found to be env C/nef B and 1 sample was detected as env B/nef C. This result indicates the emeraence of intersubtype recombinants of HIV-1 for the first time in this eastern part of India. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.