Molecular genetics and epidemiological characteristics of HIV-1 epidemic strains in various sexual risk behaviour groups in developed Eastern China, 2017–2020

ABSTRACT

In this study, we conducted a detailed molecular epidemiological analysis of HIV-1 epidemic strains in various sexual risk behaviour groups in a developed area in eastern China based on phylogenetic inference, molecular transmission networks, and Bayesian analyses. A total of 1083 pol sequences (91.23%, 1083/1187) from newly diagnosed HIV-1-positive patients from 2017 to 2020 were successfully obtained and involved thirteen HIV-1 subtypes, in which the major HIV-1 subtypes were CRF07_BC (36.10%, 391/1083) and CRF01_AE (34.63%, 375/1083). 485 individuals (44.78%,485/1083) formed 146 clusters in the network. Of which CRF07_BC showed extensive clustering driven by men who have sex with men (MSM) within larger networks, CRF01_AE and other subtypes were generally driven by small clusters (SCs) and medium clusters (MCs) among various risk groups. Through Sankey diagrams, the MSM group infected with CRF07_BC had a greater impact on the non-commercial heterosexual group among all cross-risk groups. In addition, a higher number of key individuals infected with CRF07_BC (40.22%, 74/127), suggests the crucial role of CRF07_BC-infected individuals as a local epidemic driver in the context of a mixed HIV-1 epidemic. Further Bayesian analysis confirmed that CRF07_BC was introduced into Jiaxing city from other provinces multiple times and spread rapidly among MSM and heterosexual individuals. Overall, our study provided some insights and information to explore the local transmission dynamics of HIV-1 epidemic strains involving various sexual risk groups, and emphasize that it is necessary to conduct in-depth research and precise intervention targeting key clusters/ individuals to effectively block the continued transmission of AIDS.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV-1
• subtype
• cluster
• transmission network
• molecular epidemiology

Acknowledgments

We appreciate all the volunteer patients enrolled in this study.

Author contributions

Xiaohong Pan and Chengliang Chai conceived and designed the study. Qin Fan, Jiafeng Zhang, Xiaobei Ding, Yan Xia, Zhihong Guo, Rui Ge, and Yong Yan performed experiments. Yi Feng and Ping Zhong provided guidance. Qin Fan, Jiafeng Zhang, and Mingyu Luo analyzed the data. Qin Fan wrote the main manuscript and prepared all figures. All authors have reviewed the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The study was funded by the Public Welfare Technology Application Research Project of Zhejiang Province (grant number LGF20H260002) and Zhejiang Provincial Medicine and Health Science and Technology Plan (grant number 2020KY521).