[Genetic evolution between HIV-1 groups M and O: HIV-1/MO recombinant forms].

Genetic recombination is a key process in the evolution of HIV-1. The co-circulation of genetically divergent variants of groups M and O in the same geographical areas has led to the description of 20 HIV-1/M+O dual infections and 20 unique HIV-1/MO recombinant forms (URF_MO). Their virological and pathophysiological consequences are unknown, but their viability raises questions about the selection process during genesis. Target cells have means to fight HIV, including restriction factors, which are counteracted by viral accessory proteins. This review summarizes the available knowledge on the currently described HIV-1/MO recombinants. Their virological and genetic characteristics were analysed, and the potential impacts of HIV-1/MO recombination on diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, viral counteracting of restriction factors, and fitness were studied. The analysis of this unique series of 20 URF_MO showed that HIV-1/MO recombinant forms are generally isolated from patients from which no parental forms are found. This suggests that the recombinant replicated faster than the parental forms, eventually out-grouping them.