Minireview - Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype distribution in the worldwide epidemic: Pathogenetic and therapeutic implications

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the causative agent of AIDS (10, 38, 105, 114). It is characterized by extensive and dynamic genetic diversity, generating variants failing into distinct molecular subtypes as well as recombinant forms; these forms display an uneven global distribution (55). This diversity has implications for our understanding of viral transmission, pathogenesis, and diagnosis and profoundly influences strategies for vaccine development. Here we review selected aspects of the genetic diversity of HIV-1, with particular emphasis on its pathogenetic and therapeutic implications.