Phylogenetic analysis of HIV-1 pol gene (RT sequences) among Iranian HIV infected patients

Background and ObjectivesHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the retrovirus that causes the disease known as AIDS. In the current study, we examined the genetic diversity of HIV-1 strains circulating in Iran. Materials and MethodsSequencing and phylogenetic analysis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) pol gene is a useful method for subtyping strains of HIV-1. HIV-1 RNA was derived from plasma of 24 infected patients in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran. RT Nested-PCR was developed and the product was extracted from agarose gel. The products were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis by Mega 4 software was constructed. ResultsThe developed PCR method successfully amplified the specific sequence. The sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed subtypes A1 and B in 14 and 10 patients, respectively. ConclusionsThe results indicated intravenous drug users infected with HIV-1 subtype A1, and hemophiliacs infected with HIV-1 subtype B. The results also showed that the subtype A1 is the most prevalent in HIV infected patients. Such information can be useful in intervention strategies and control programs.