New findings in HIV/AIDS epidemiology described from University of Washington, Department of Medicine

   "We found a range of diversity (0.2%-5.6% [median, 0.86%]), V1-V2 loop length (58-93 aa), and potential N-linked glycosylation sites ([Formula: see text]). However, at least 46% of the men had replicating virus that appeared to have been derived from a single viral variant. Nearly all variants were predicted to be CCR5 tropic," wrote G.S. Gottlieb and colleagues, University of Washington, Department of Medicine.

   The researchers concluded: "We found no correlation between these viral characteristics and the HIV outcomes of time to clinical AIDS or death and/or a CD4 cell count <200 cells/microL."

   Gottlieb and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Infectious Diseases (HIV-1 variation before seroconversion in men who have sex with men: analysis of acute/early HIV infection in the multicenter AIDS cohort study. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2008;197(7):1011-5).

   For more information, contact G.S. Gottlieb, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, School of Medicine, Seattle 98195 USA..

   Publisher contact information for the Journal of Infectious Diseases is: University Chicago Press, 1427 E 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637-2954, USA.

   Keywords: United States, HIV/AIDS Epidemiology, AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Clinical Trial Research, Epidemiology, HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Immunology, Sexually Transmitted Disease, Viral, Virology.

   This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, AIDS Weekly via NewsRx.com.

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