Sequence variation in gag P17/24 region of HIV type 1 predominant subtype B strains circulating in Hubei province

Objective To study the genetic characteristic and amino acid mutations of HIV-1 and to identify the subty pes and infection sources and the trends of infection of human immunodeficiency virus 1(HIV-1)predominant circulating strains in Hubei prov ince.Methods Epidemiolo gic surv ey was done among HIV-1 carr iers found in Hubei area.HIV-1 gag P17/24 region were amplified by nested-polymerase chain reaction(nPCR).The sequences were determined,and then phylogenetic analysis was performed.Results Four HIV-1 strains or circulating recombinant forms(CRFs)were identified in Hubei pro vince and the subtype Bc was the predominant.Bc strains were closely related to B.CN.RL42 from Yunnan and B.CN.02.02HN fr om Henan.Amino acid sequence analysis of sect ion gag showed P24 was more conser vation than P17.Conclusion The subtype B.was still the main epidemic subty pes in Hubei province and the spread of the disease in Hubei province might be speeding up and becoming more complex.