[Identification of B and F human immunodeficiency virus subtypes in Chilean patients].

Background: Type I human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is characterized by a great genetic variability. There are three groups of virus throughout the world: O, N and M. Group M is responsible for AIDS pandemic and is subdivided in 9 genetic subtypes. Most viral strains in South America are subtype B.

Aim: To determine the frequency of HIV subtypes in Chilean patients.

Material And Methods: Genetic analysis of C2-V3-C3 region of the gene env in HIV strains coming from 77 Chilean subjects infected by different means. DNA heteroduplex mobility assay was used to determine HIV subtypes.

Results: Sixty eight cases were infected with subtype B (88.3%) and nine cases were infected with subtype F (11.7%).

Conclusions: Subtype B is the predominant HIV in Chile, but subtype F is also present.