CCR5Delta32 genotypes in a German HIV-1 seroconverter cohort and report of HIV-1 infection in a CCR5Delta32 homozygous individual.

BACKGROUND: Homozygosity (Delta32/Delta32) for the 32 bp deletion in the chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) gene is associated with strong resistance against HIV infection. Heterozygosity is associated with protection of HIV-1 disease progression. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We genotyped a population of 737 HIV-positive adults and 463 healthy controls for the CCR5Delta32 deletion and found heterozygous frequencies of 16.2% (HIV-negative) and 17.5% (HIV-positive) among Caucasian individuals. Analysis of CCR5Delta32 influence on disease progression showed notably lower viral setpoints and a longer time to a CD4 count of