HIV & AIDS Review. International Journal of HIV-Related Problems · Published 2026-01-24 · DOI 10.5114/hivar/172008
A preliminary study was carried out among a total of 371 acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients from different regions of Libya, investigating the genetic variability of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains. Patients studied were from four regions, including Western region (n = 135, 36.4%), Eastern region (n = 98, 26.4%), Middle region (n = 85, 22.9%), and Southern region (n = 53, 14.3%) of Libya. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 197 (53.1%) patients were sub-type B and 78 (21%) were sub-type A. In 96 (18.6%) patients, CRF02_AG strain was isolated in those from the Eastern region (p < 0.001). CRF02_AG strain was less distributed in other regions, while sub-types B and A showed equal distribution within other regions. The genetic diversity of 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 sub-type distribution of HIV-1 strains in Libya is very heterogeneous in most of the regions, except the Eastern region. The strain isolated in patients from the Eastern region is unique due to several reasons, including being monophyletic, highly persistent, and rarely reported in other regions. Therefore, monitoring and following the continuity of HIV spread is essential for determining public health priorities, assessing the impact of interventions, and estimating current and future healthcare needs.
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