HIV Genes

Mutations

  • Genetic mutations in HIV are well known and are very likely, considering the presence of two RNA molecules per virus. Either or both RNA molecules can mutate.
  • These mutations potentially lead to drug resistance or encourage the virus to evade the body's immune response.
  • Mutations have created three major groups of HIV - M, N, and O.
    • M is found in 99% of all the HIV cases in the world.
    • N and O are primarily found in West African countries.
    • N, though, infects only a very small number of individuals.
  • The M group has subgroups lettered A to J. Subgroup B predominates in North America.

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