High diversity and transmission dynamics of HIV-1 non-C subtypes in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND. Genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of HIV are directly relevant to HIV transmission. We report here the genetic diversity and transmission dynamics of non-C subtypes of HIV-1 strains detected in Bangladeshi key populations.  RESULTS. Sequence analysis of _gag_ gene revealed four subtypes A1, B, D, G and nine CRFs (01_AE, 02_AG, 09_cpx, 10_CD, 15_AE/B, 13_cpx, 14_BG, 22_01_A1 and 25_AGU). Most of these non-C strains were detected in returnee migrant workers from different parts of the world. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Bangladeshi HIV-1 strains detected in migrant workers and their wives and local sex workers shared common ancestries. CONCLUSIONS. Identification of the multiple subtypes indicates high diversity of non-C HIV-1 variants circulating in Bangladesh which might have been imported by migrant workers from multiple geographical areas.