Original scientific paper

HIV-1 Subtype B Epidemic and Transmission Patterns in Slovenia

Dunja Z. Babič
Katja Seme
Janez Tomažič
Ludvik Vidmar
Mario Poljak

Abstract

In the present study the epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype B in Slovenia during the
10-year period was investigated using phylogenetic analysis of pol gene sequences. 119 pol sequences generated on samples
dated from January 1996 to December 2005 were retrieved from the database of Slovenian HIV/AIDS Reference Laboratory.
The phylogenetic analysis revealed 14 potentially significant transmission clusters (bootstrap value 98%),
comprising 34 HIV-1 strains. The vast majority of clustered individuals were men (91%), and of them, 79% were men
who have sex with men. Factors significantly associated with clustering were: recent infection (HIV-1 infection during or
after year 2003), diagnosis of primary HIV-1 infection, higher CD4 cell count and acquiring HIV-1 infection in Slovenia.
Recent subtype B HIV-1 infections are the important driving force of current HIV-1 epidemic in Slovenia.

Keywords

HIV-1 transmission; pol gene; subtype B; Slovenia

Hrčak ID:

27694

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/27694

Publication date:

25.4.2006.

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