Multiple introductions of HIV-1 subtype E into the western hemisphere.

There are nine recognised genetic subtypes of HIV-1, and the epidemic in Southeast Asia is largely due to subtype E. We have investigated HIV-1 viral subtypes in 11 Uruguayan military personnel, six with infection acquired during a United Nations deployment to Cambodia and five with infection acquired in South America. We found subtype E in five of the six infections acquired in Southeast Asia, and subtype B in all five of the domestically acquired cases. These findings document multiple introductions of HIV-1 subtype E into the western hemisphere and mean that the genetic diversity of the global HIV-1 pandemic must be considered in strategies for epidemic control.