A case of Italian HIV-2 infection: a genetic analysis

Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2), originally restricted to Western Africa is now spreading to European Western countries because of migration from endemic areas. Therefore, it is mandatory to enforce the surveillance and improve the diagnostics of this neglected infection. In this report, we describe a case of HIV-2 infection affecting an Italian citizen along with 3 cases from India. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the viral strain identified in the Italian patient clustered with a strain isolated from an immigrant living in France. Of the 3 Indian strains, 2 clustered together and were statistically supported, whereas 1 clustered with a strain from Guinea Bissau. The description of the first case of HIV-2 infection in an Italian citizen tells us that the virus is spreading from endemic areas to countries involved in migration. A strict monitoring and the improvement of the diagnostic molecular tools are necessary in order to avoid misdiagnosis with relevant clinical consequences.