Jul 2026· AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses· pp.
8892229261471606
· 0 citations· 12 references
Medicine
TL;DR
Analysis of HIV-1 samples collected from two male patients in Shenzhen suggested that the recombination between CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC continued to occur in Shenzhen, potentially contributing to the increasing genetic complexity of the local HIV-1 epidemic.
Abstract
Recombination events are a key driver of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genetic diversity. In this study, HIV-1 samples were collected from two male patients in Shenzhen, China. Two novel recombinant forms (Ls6449 and Ls16801) derived from CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC were identified, and their near full-length genomes were obtained. Analysis of these two forms suggested that the recombination between CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC continued to occur in Shenzhen, potentially contributing to the increasing genetic complexity of the local HIV-1 epidemic. These findings highlight the need for enhanced molecular surveillance and genotyping targeting key routes, specifically sexual transmission and mobility-associated spread. It is expected to generate precise epidemiological evidence and inform local HIV prevention and control strategies.
The long-term co-circulation of various HIV-1 subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) in China has created an environment conducive to viral recombination. This study identified a novel HIV-1 CRF resulting from the recombination of CRF07_BC and CRF55_01B in Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Nearly full-length HIV-1 genome sequences were obtained from three individuals with no epidemiological link, including two men who have sex with men and one individual with heterosexual contact. These individuals were reported in 2023. These sequences form a monophyletic clade that is distinct from all known subtypes and CRFs. Recombination and phylogenetic analyses revealed that this recombinant strain exhibited a consistent mosaic genomic structure, with the CRF55_01B backbone incorporating two CRF07_BC segments. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses indicated that this recombinant form originated around 2019. In accordance with standard nomenclature, it has been designated CRF200_0755. In addition, this recombinant strain carries the V179E resistance mutation from CRF55_01B. The discovery of this novel CRF highlights the ongoing evolution of HIV-1 amid the co-circulation of prevalent strains and population mobility. It also emphasizes the importance of continuous molecular surveillance in guiding public health strategies, given the potential presence of preexisting resistance mutations.
Min Chen, Hui-chao Chen, Yanling Ma et al.· AIDS Research and Human Retr...· 0 citations
The CRF01_AE recombinant is the dominant HIV strain in Ningxia, characterized by rapid disease progression and imposing a significant local burden. Current prevention strategies, often based on broad subtype classifications, are insufficient to address the distinct transmission dynamics of such specific recombinants. To delineate the spatiotemporal migration patterns and epidemic trends of CRF01_AE in Ningxia, this study conducted a systematic analysis of 206 local sequences. The results reveal extensive viral spread with clear geographic diffusion routes, particularly strong migration from Yinchuan to other major cities. Key demographic groups driving transmission are individuals aged 20–39, retired/unemployed persons, and those with junior high school education. Although the transmission intensity has fluctuated, the current effective reproductive number remains above 1, indicating ongoing epidemic expansion, while the viral evolutionary rate appears stable. The study demonstrates that the CRF01_AE epidemic in Ningxia is still expanding and evolving, and identifies core transmission hubs and population clusters. These findings not only align with some prior understanding but also uncover more complex transmission networks and demographic patterns, highlighting the necessity for implementing targeted interventions specific to this strain to effectively control its spread.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic remains a major global public health challenge, and the emergence of drug resistance mutations compromises treatment efficacy. The aim of this study was to characterize HIV-1 genetic diversity and antiretroviral drug resistance mutations circulating in Peruvian infants under 18 months of age. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using 28 samples collected between 2017 and 2018. Genetic material was obtained from whole blood (proviral DNA) and plasma (viral RNA), and then analyzed using nested PCR amplification and next-generation sequencing (NGS). HIV-1 subtypes were determined through a phylogenetic analysis, and resistance mutations were identified using the HYDRA and Stanford HIVdb platforms. Subtype B was the most prevalent (89%), followed by circulating recombinant forms CRF17_BF and CRF89_BF (11%). Four out of 28 samples (14.3%) harbored at least one resistance-associated mutation. The most frequently detected mutations included K103N (7.1%), V106I (3.6%), V179E (7.1%), and G190A (3.6%), with 21.4% of the identified mutations associated with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Notably, this study reports the first detection of CRF89_BF in Peruvian infants under 18 months of age. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing molecular surveillance of HIV-1 diversity and antiretroviral resistance mutations to optimize treatment strategies and strengthen HIV control programs.
Dilan Suárez-Agüero, S. Espetia, Carlos Augusto Yábar et al.· Revista Argentina de Microbi...· 0 citations
The molecular epidemiology and antiretroviral (ARV) drug resistance of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) remain incompletely outlined in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The aim of this retrospective molecular epidemiology study was to analyze MENA HIV-1 sequences for phylogenetic clustering and to delineate surveillance drug-resistance mutations (SDRMs) for nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), and protease inhibitors (PIs) across various periods, locations, and subtypes/circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). Viral sequences were retrieved from the Los Alamos HIV Sequence Database as of 15 April 2026. Analyses were done using multiple sub-gene regions (two env regions (n = 224 and n = 60) and PR (n = 2413) and RT (n = 2103) of the pol gene). Phylogeny construction was conducted using maximum-likelihood estimation, while ARV drug resistance analysis was conducted using the Stanford HIVdb algorithm. The HIV-1 MENA sequences showed a remarkable genetic diversity, with co-circulation of multiple subtypes/CRFs, including subtype B in the Maghreb, Levant, and Egypt sub-regions, subtypes A1, G, CRF01_AE, and CRF02_AG in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Yemen sub-region, and subtypes C and D in the Horn of Africa and Sudan sub-region. The percentage of MENA HIV-1 sequences in clusters was 10.3% for env1, 8.3% for env2, 22.0% for PR and 37.2% for RT. Phylogenetic reconstruction hinted at a structured epidemic dominated by small transmission units, with most clusters comprising dyads (n = 260) or networks (n = 142) and a limited number of large clusters (n = 8) that were largely confined within national boundaries, with only occasional cross-border linkages (n = 8). Overall SDRM prevalence was 3.2% in the PR region and 14.9% in the RT region, with a higher percentage of NNRTI-associated mutations (10.0%) than NRTI-associated mutations (9.1%) and dual-class resistance observed in 4.1% of sequences. Phylogenetic clustering was not associated with the probability of harboring SDRMs; however, negative binomial models showed that non-clustered sequences had a greater burden of NRTI-associated mutations, whereas no such association was observed for NNRTI- or PI-associated mutations. The findings showed predominantly localized and fragmented MENA HIV-1 transmission dynamics. Heterogeneous ARV drug resistance dynamics indicated that resistance emergence might be shaped by broader epidemiologic and treatment-related factors rather than ongoing clustered transmission. There is a need for coordinated molecular surveillance and optimized ART strategies across the MENA countries.
Esraa Al-Fraihat, Amal Irshaid, Mohammed Sallam et al.· Viruses· 0 citations
HDV has a high genetic diversity among isolates and a high capacity to accumulate mutations over time. The mechanisms involved in the clinical progression of HDV are not fully elucidated. Few studies relate mutations to clinical implications, which makes this variable extremely relevant for research into HDV-3, a genotype associated with worse clinical progression. The aim of this study was to analyze mutations in complete genome sequences of HDV-3 isolated in the Brazilian Western Amazon. During 2010 to 2023, 35 hepatitis Delta patients with mild or advanced fibrosis gave serum samples that were submitted to conventional PCR and sequencing. Synonymous and non-synonymous mutations were analyzed along the delta antigen sequence based on the reference strain NC_076103.1. N-terminal and C-terminal regions of Large HDAg, molecular modeling and docking analyses were performed. 114 non-synonymous substitutions were identified in 76 positions along the HDAg-L. To synonymous mutations, 46 substitutions were found in 44 nucleotide sites. S/L8P/Q/M was the most frequent mutation among the advanced fibrosis group. The D46E and A70T mutation was more observed among patients with increased AST. These associations showed statistically significant p-values. Mutations in the N-terminal region of Large HDAg led to minor conformational changes. The C-terminal region indicates moderate structural differences caused by the mutations. The binding conformation of Large HDAg with Mutant2C exhibiting the most stable interaction, as suggested by its docking score. This study shows some evidence of the influence of HDAg mutations in relation to clinical significance, providing insights for further, longitudinal research.
T. P. Roca, Jackson Alves da Silva Queiroz, A. M. Passos-Silva et al.· Archives of Virology· 0 citations
It is demonstrated that the attenuated strain AHFY‐F140 represents a promising vaccine candidate against both NADC30‐like and JXA1‐like PRRSV infections.
Hengjiao Zhang, Jiakai Zhao, Chengxin Zhang et al.· Transboundary and Emerging D...· 0 citations
