Identification of a highly divergent HIV type 2 and proposal for a change in HIV type 2 classification

Damond, F., Worobey, M., Campa, P., Farfara, I., Colin, G., Matheron, S., Brun-Vézinet, F., Robertson, D. L. and Simon, F. (2004) Identification of a highly divergent HIV type 2 and proposal for a change in HIV type 2 classification. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, 20(6), pp. 666-672. (doi: 10.1089/0889222041217392) (PMID:15242544)

Abstract

We report the complete genome sequence of a highly divergent strain of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2), 96FR12034, identified in France from a patient of West African origin. This lineage, H, represents only the third definitive instance of a monkey-to-human transfer of SIVsm that has given rise to pathogenic HIV-2. As the different "subtypes" of HIV-2 are analogous to the different groups of HIV-1 we propose that HIV-2 subtypes henceforth by renamed groups in agreement with the HIV Nomenclature Committee. The single-strain lineages C to G and the 96FR12034 lineage identified here should be considered only as putative groups until related strains are identified that confirm circulation of these viruses in the human population.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Robertson, Professor David
• Authors: Damond, F., Worobey, M., Campa, P., Farfara, I., Colin, G., Matheron, S., Brun-Vézinet, F., Robertson, D. L., and Simon, F.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses
• Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert
• ISSN: 0889-2229
• ISSN (Online): 1931-8405