Analysis of HIV subtypes and the phylogenetic tree in HIV-positive samples from Saudi Arabia

Objective: To assess the prevalence of HIV-1 genetic subtypes in Saudi Arabia in samples that are serologically positive for HIV-1, and compare the HIV-1 genetic subtypes prevalent in Saudi Arabia with the subtypes prevalent in other countries. Method: Thirty-nine HIV-1 positive samples were analyzed for HIV-1 subtypes using molecular techniques. The study is a retrospective study that was conducted in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and in Abbott laboratories (United States of America) from 2004 to 2007. Results: All samples were seropositive for HIV-1 group M. Of the 39 seropositive samples, only 12 were polymerase chain reaction positive. Subtype C is the most common virus strain as it occurred in 58% of these samples; subtype B occurred in 17%; and subtypes A, D and G were found in 8% each. The phylogenetic tree was also identified for the isolates. Conclusion: Detection of HIV subtypes is important for epidemiological purposes and may help in tracing the source of HIV infections in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.