The application of phylogenetics to HIV—insights into biology and epidemiology of HIV

Phylogenetics is the study of the evolution of organisms based on their genetic similarity. Phylogenetic techniques, laboratory methods to read genetic code present in all living organisms, can be used to compare different species or to compare different members of the same species. They can also be used to compare viruses like HIV. Phylogenetic techniques are used to detect the subtle changes that occur in the genetic code of each organism from one generation to the next. These changes are particularly pronounced in HIV making it a good candidate for phylogenetic studies.

This brief introduction to HIV phylogenetics is the first of three briefs on the phylogenetics of HIV. This brief introduces phylogenetics, explains how the genetic code can be read, and shows how the sequences can reveal insights into HIV biology and epidemiology.