Genetic Variation and Monophyletic Assembly of HIV-1 strains among infected patients within Libyan Community

Abstract

Abstract A preliminary study was carried out on a total of 371 AIDS patients from different regions of Libya investigating the genetic variability of HIV-1 strains. The patients studied were from four regions including ; Western region 135 (36.4%), Eastern region 98 (26.4%), Meddle region (85 (22.9%), and 53 (14.3%) Southern region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 197 (53.1%) samples were subtype B followed by 78(21%) subtype A and CRF02_AG 96(18.6%). CRF02_AG strain was isolated from the Eastern region (P < 0.001) and was less distributed with other regions. Although subtypes B and A showed equal distribution within other regions. The genetic diversity of the HIV-1 strain was evident in Western, Central, and Southern regions. Although strains from the Eastern region were found to be persistently monophyletic. Compared with other sub-Saharan and North African countries, the genetic subtype distribution of HIV-1 strains in Libya is very heterogeneous in most of the regions a part form the eastern region. The strain isolated from patients in the Eastern region is unique for several reasons: being monophyletic and highly persistent and rarely reported in other regions. Therefore, monitoring and following the continuity of spread of the HIV is essential for determining public health priorities, assessing the impact of interventions, and estimating current and future healthcare needs.