Molecular characterization of 39 HIV isolates representing group M (subtypes A-G) and group O: sequence analysis of gag p24, pol integrase, and env gp41.

A panel of genetically diverse, well-characterized human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1) virus isolates is a valuable tool for standardizing nucleic acid-based tests. Since HIV quantitative assays target different regions of the genome, thorough molecular characterization is useful for evaluating the effect of genetic variation on viral load assay performance. In this study, 39 virus isolates were examined. The representative HIV-1 group M subtypes A-G and group O strains included 30 members of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) clade panel. Though this panel is currently being used in laboratories around the world, only limited sequence information is available on most of these isolates. In this communication, gag p24 (gag), pol integrase (pol IN), and env gp41 immunodominant (IDR) region sequences were characterized to assess the level of genetic diversity and to verify group/subtype. The panel was composed of 37 group M and two group O strains.