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Lai A, Bergna A, Simonetti FR, Franzetti M, Bozzi G, Micheli V, Atzori C, Ridolfo A, Zehender G, Ciccozzi M, Galli M, Balotta C. Contribution of transgender sex workers to the complexity of the HIV-1 epidemic in the metropolitan area of Milan. Sex Transm Infect 2020; 96:451-456. [PMID: 31900319 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2019-054103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transgender people are disproportionately affected by the HIV-1 epidemic. We evaluated the origin of HIV-1 variants carried by South American transgenders living in Milan by combining accurate phylogenetic methods and epidemiological data. METHODS We collected 156 HIV-1 pol sequences obtained from transgender patients engaged in sex work (TSWs) followed between 1999 and 2015 at L. Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted by HIV-TRACE, MrBayes, MacClade and Beast programs. Reference sequences were retrieved from Los Alamos and local databases. Last negative testing or proxy data from clinical records of infected individuals were used to investigate the country of infection. RESULTS Among South American TSWs, the most represented HIV-1 subtypes were B (70.5%), F1 (12.8%) and C (4.4%). Gene flow migrations of B subtype indicated significant fluxes from TSWs to Italians (21.3%) belonging to all risk groups (26.4% to heterosexuals (HEs), 18.9% to men who have sex with men (MSM), 15.1% to injecting drug users). The largest proportion of bidirectional fluxes were observed between Italians and TSWs (24.6%). For F1 subtype, bidirectional viral fluxes involved TSWs and Italians (7.1% and 14.3%), and a similar proportion of fluxes linked TSWs and Italian HEs or MSM (both 15.8%). Significant fluxes were detected from Italians to TSWs for subtype C involving both MSM (30%) and HEs (40%). Country of HIV-1 acquisition was identified for 72 subjects; overall, the largest proportion of patients with B subtype (73.5%) acquired HIV-1 infection in South America. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that South American transgenders largely contribute to the heterogeneity of HIV-1 variants in our country. The high number of clusters based on all subtypes indicated numerous transmission chains in which TSWs were constantly intermixed with HEs and MSM. Our results strongly advocate interventions to facilitate prevention, diagnosis and HIV-1 care continuum among transgender people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Lai
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bergna
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Franzetti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Bozzi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, La Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore di Milano Policlinico, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Valeria Micheli
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Virology and Diagnosis of Bioemergency, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Chiara Atzori
- 1st Division of Infectious Diseases, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Annalisa Ridolfo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Gianguglielmo Zehender
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Clinical Pathology and Microbiology, University Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Massimo Galli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Claudia Balotta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
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Lorenzin G, Gargiulo F, Caruso A, Caccuri F, Focà E, Celotti A, Quiros-Roldan E, Izzo I, Castelli F, De Francesco MA. Prevalence of Non-B HIV-1 Subtypes in North Italy and Analysis of Transmission Clusters Based on Sequence Data Analysis. Microorganisms 2019; 8:microorganisms8010036. [PMID: 31878069 PMCID: PMC7022943 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 diversity is increasing in European countries due to immigration flows, as well as travels and human mobility, leading to the circulation of both new viral subtypes and new recombinant forms, with important implications for public health. We analyzed 710 HIV-1 sequences comprising protease and reverse-transcriptase (PR/RT) coding regions, sampled from 2011 to 2017, from naive patients in Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy. Subtyping was performed by using a combination of different tools; the phylogenetic analysis with a structured coalescence model and Makarov Chain Monte Carlo was used on the datasets, to determine clusters and evolution. We detected 304 (43%) patients infected with HIV-1 non-B variants, of which only 293 sequences were available, with four pure subtypes and five recombinant forms; subtype F1 (17%) and CRF02_AG (51.1%) were most common. Twenty-five transmission clusters were identified, three of which included >10 patients, belonging to subtype CRF02_AG and subtype F. Most cases of alleged transmission were between heterosexual couples. Probably due to strong migratory flows, we have identified different subtypes with particular patterns of recombination or, as in the case of the subtype G (18/293, 6.1%), to a complete lack of relationship between the sequenced strains, revealing that they are all singletons. Continued HIV molecular surveillance is most important to analyze the dynamics of the boost of transmission clusters in order to implement public health interventions aimed at controlling the HIV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Lorenzin
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia-Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.L.); (F.G.); (A.C.); (F.C.)
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Gargiulo
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia-Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.L.); (F.G.); (A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia-Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.L.); (F.G.); (A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia-Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.L.); (F.G.); (A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Emanuele Focà
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (E.Q.-R.); (I.I.); (F.C.)
| | - Anna Celotti
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (E.Q.-R.); (I.I.); (F.C.)
| | - Eugenia Quiros-Roldan
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (E.Q.-R.); (I.I.); (F.C.)
| | - Ilaria Izzo
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (E.Q.-R.); (I.I.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Castelli
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (E.Q.-R.); (I.I.); (F.C.)
| | - Maria A. De Francesco
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia-Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.L.); (F.G.); (A.C.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-030-399-5860
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Characterization of a large cluster of HIV-1 A1 infections detected in Portugal and connected to several Western European countries. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7223. [PMID: 31076722 PMCID: PMC6510806 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43420-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 subtypes associate with differences in transmission and disease progression. Thus, the existence of geographic hotspots of subtype diversity deepens the complexity of HIV-1/AIDS control. The already high subtype diversity in Portugal seems to be increasing due to infections with sub-subtype A1 virus. We performed phylogenetic analysis of 65 A1 sequences newly obtained from 14 Portuguese hospitals and 425 closely related database sequences. 80% of the A1 Portuguese isolates gathered in a main phylogenetic clade (MA1). Six transmission clusters were identified in MA1, encompassing isolates from Portugal, Spain, France, and United Kingdom. The most common transmission route identified was men who have sex with men. The origin of the MA1 was linked to Greece, with the first introduction to Portugal dating back to 1996 (95% HPD: 1993.6–1999.2). Individuals infected with MA1 virus revealed lower viral loads and higher CD4+ T-cell counts in comparison with those infected by subtype B. The expanding A1 clusters in Portugal are connected to other European countries and share a recent common ancestor with the Greek A1 outbreak. The recent expansion of this HIV-1 subtype might be related to a slower disease progression leading to a population level delay in its diagnostic.
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Lai A, Simonetti FR, Brindicci G, Bergna A, Di Giambenedetto S, Sterrantino G, Mussini C, Menzo S, Bagnarelli P, Zazzi M, Angarano G, Galli M, Monno L, Balotta C. Local Epidemics Gone Viral: Evolution and Diffusion of the Italian HIV-1 Recombinant Form CRF60_BC. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:769. [PMID: 31031735 PMCID: PMC6474184 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in Italy is becoming increasingly complex, mainly due to the spread of non-B subtypes and the emergence of new recombinant forms. We previously characterized the outbreak of the first Italian circulating recombinant form (CRF60_BC), occurring among young MSM living in Apulia between the years 2009 and 2011. Here we show a 5-year follow-up surveillance to trace the evolution of CRF60_BC and to investigate its further spread in Italy. We collected additional sequences and clinical data from patients harboring CRF60_BC, enrolled at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the University of Bari. In addition to the 24 previously identified sequences, we retrieved 27 CRF60_BC sequences from patients residing in Apulia, whose epidemiological and clinical features did not differ from those of the initial outbreak, i.e., the Italian origin, young age at HIV diagnosis (median: 24 years; range: 18–37), MSM risk factor (23/25, 92%) and recent infection (from 2008 to 2017). Sequence analysis revealed a growing overall nucleotide diversity, with few nucleotide changes that were fixed over time. Twenty-seven additional sequences were detected across Italy, spanning multiple distant regions. Using a BLAST search, we also identified a CRF60_BC sequence isolated in United Kingdom in 2013. Three patients harbored a unique second generation recombinant form in which CRF60_BC was one of the parental strains. Our data show that CRF60_BC gained epidemic importance, spreading among young MSM in multiple Italian regions and increasing its population size in few years, as the number of sequences identified so far has triplicated since our first report. The observed further divergence of CRF60_BC is likely due to evolutionary bottlenecks and host adaptation during transmission chains. Of note, we detected three second-generation recombinants, further supporting a widespread circulation of CRF60_BC and the increasing complexity of the HIV-1 epidemic in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Lai
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gaetano Brindicci
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bergna
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gaetana Sterrantino
- Division of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Mussini
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Menzo
- Unit of Virology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria 'Ospedali Riuniti', Torrette, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bagnarelli
- Unit of Virology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria 'Ospedali Riuniti', Torrette, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Galli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Monno
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Balotta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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5
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Delgado E, Benito S, Montero V, Cuevas MT, Fernández-García A, Sánchez-Martínez M, García-Bodas E, Díez-Fuertes F, Gil H, Cañada J, Carrera C, Martínez-López J, Sintes M, Pérez-Álvarez L, Thomson MM. Diverse Large HIV-1 Non-subtype B Clusters Are Spreading Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Spain. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:655. [PMID: 31001231 PMCID: PMC6457325 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In Western Europe, the HIV-1 epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) is dominated by subtype B. However, recently, other genetic forms have been reported to circulate in this population, as evidenced by their grouping in clusters predominantly comprising European individuals. Here we describe four large HIV-1 non-subtype B clusters spreading among MSM in Spain. Samples were collected in 9 regions. A pol fragment was amplified from plasma RNA or blood-extracted DNA. Phylogenetic analyses were performed via maximum likelihood, including database sequences of the same genetic forms as the identified clusters. Times and locations of the most recent common ancestors (MRCA) of clusters were estimated with a Bayesian method. Five large non-subtype B clusters associated with MSM were identified. The largest one, of F1 subtype, was reported previously. The other four were of CRF02_AG (CRF02_1; n = 115) and subtypes A1 (A1_1; n = 66), F1 (F1_3; n = 36), and C (C_7; n = 17). Most individuals belonging to them had been diagnosed of HIV-1 infection in the last 10 years. Each cluster comprised viruses from 3 to 8 Spanish regions and also comprised or was related to viruses from other countries: CRF02_1 comprised a Japanese subcluster and viruses from 8 other countries from Western Europe, Asia, and South America; A1_1 comprised viruses from Portugal, United Kingom, and United States, and was related to the A1 strain circulating in Greece, Albania and Cyprus; F1_3 was related to viruses from Romania; and C_7 comprised viruses from Portugal and was related to a virus from Mozambique. A subcluster within CRF02_1 was associated with heterosexual transmission. Near full-length genomes of each cluster were of uniform genetic form. Times of MRCAs of CRF02_1, A1_1, F1_3, and C_7 were estimated around 1986, 1989, 2013, and 1983, respectively. MRCA locations for CRF02_1 and A1_1 were uncertain (however initial expansions in Spain in Madrid and Vigo, respectively, were estimated) and were most probable in Bilbao, Spain, for F1_3 and Portugal for C_7. These results show that the HIV-1 epidemic among MSM in Spain is becoming increasingly diverse through the expansion of diverse non-subtype B clusters, comprising or related to viruses circulating in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Delgado
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Benito
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanessa Montero
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Cuevas
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aurora Fernández-García
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Sánchez-Martínez
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena García-Bodas
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Díez-Fuertes
- AIDS Immunopathogenesis Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Horacio Gil
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,European Program for Public Health Microbiology Training, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Javier Cañada
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Carrera
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Martínez-López
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos Sintes
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucía Pérez-Álvarez
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael M Thomson
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Vinken L, Fransen K, Cuypers L, Alexiev I, Balotta C, Debaisieux L, Seguin-Devaux C, García Ribas S, Gomes P, Incardona F, Kaiser R, Ruelle J, Sayan M, Paraschiv S, Paredes R, Peeters M, Sönnerborg A, Vancutsem E, Vandamme AM, Van den Wijngaert S, Van Ranst M, Verhofstede C, Stadler T, Lemey P, Van Laethem K. Earlier Initiation of Antiretroviral Treatment Coincides With an Initial Control of the HIV-1 Sub-Subtype F1 Outbreak Among Men-Having-Sex-With-Men in Flanders, Belgium. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:613. [PMID: 30972053 PMCID: PMC6443750 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) non-B subtype infections occurred in Belgium since the 1980s, mainly amongst migrants and heterosexuals, whereas subtype B predominated in men-having-sex-with-men (MSM). In the last decade, the diagnosis of F1 sub-subtype in particular has increased substantially, which prompted us to perform a detailed reconstruction of its epidemiological history. To this purpose, the Belgian AIDS Reference Laboratories collected HIV-1 pol sequences from all sub-subtype F1-infected patients for whom genotypic drug resistance testing was requested as part of routine clinical follow-up. This data was complemented with HIV-1 pol sequences from countries with a high burden of F1 infections or a potential role in the global origin of sub-subtype F1. The molecular epidemiology of the Belgian subtype F1 epidemic was investigated using Bayesian phylogenetic inference and transmission dynamics were characterized based on birth-death models. F1 sequences were retained from 297 patients diagnosed and linked to care in Belgium between 1988 and 2015. Phylogenetic inference indicated that among the 297 Belgian F1 sequences, 191 belonged to a monophyletic group that mainly contained sequences from people likely infected in Belgium (OR 26.67, 95% CI 9.59–74.15), diagnosed in Flanders (OR 7.28, 95% CI 4.23–12.53), diagnosed at a recent stage of infection (OR 7.19, 95% CI 2.88-17.95) or declared to be MSM (OR 34.8, 95% CI 16.0–75.6). Together with a Spanish clade, this Belgian clade was embedded in the genetic diversity of Brazilian subtype F1 strains and most probably emerged after one or only a few migration events from Brazil to the European continent before 2002. The origin of the Belgian outbreak was dated back to 2002 (95% higher posterior density 2000–2004) and birth-death models suggested that its extensive growth had been controlled (Re < 1) by 2012, coinciding with a time period where delay in antiretroviral treatment initiation substantially declined. In conclusion, phylogenetic reconstruction of the Belgian HIV-1 sub-subtype F1 epidemic illustrates the introduction and substantial dissemination of viral strains in a geographically restricted risk group that was most likely controlled by effective treatment as prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lore Vinken
- Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Fransen
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lize Cuypers
- Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivailo Alexiev
- National Reference Confirmatory Laboratory of HIV, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Claudia Balotta
- Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, 'L. Sacco' Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 'L. Sacco' Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laurent Debaisieux
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, CUB-Hopital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carole Seguin-Devaux
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Sergio García Ribas
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Perpétua Gomes
- Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, LMCBM, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Hospital Egas Moniz, Lisbon, Portugal.,Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz, Almada, Portugal
| | | | - Rolf Kaiser
- Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jean Ruelle
- Unit of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Murat Sayan
- PCR Unit, Clinical Laboratory, Kocaeli University, İzmit, Turkey.,Research Center of Experimental Health Sciences, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Simona Paraschiv
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Matei Bals', Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roger Paredes
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Martine Peeters
- UMI 233 TransVIHMI/INSERM1175, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anders Sönnerborg
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ellen Vancutsem
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne-Mieke Vandamme
- Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Unidade de Microbiologia, Center for Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sigi Van den Wijngaert
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Saint-Pierre University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Ranst
- Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,AIDS Reference Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Verhofstede
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tanja Stadler
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Lemey
- Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristel Van Laethem
- Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,AIDS Reference Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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7
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Kiwuwa-Muyingo S, Nazziwa J, Ssemwanga D, Ilmonen P, Njai H, Ndembi N, Parry C, Kitandwe PK, Gershim A, Mpendo J, Neilsen L, Seeley J, Seppälä H, Lyagoba F, Kamali A, Kaleebu P. HIV-1 transmission networks in high risk fishing communities on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda: A phylogenetic and epidemiological approach. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185818. [PMID: 29023474 PMCID: PMC5638258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fishing communities around Lake Victoria in sub-Saharan Africa have been characterised as a population at high risk of HIV-infection. Methods Using data from a cohort of HIV-positive individuals aged 13–49 years, enrolled from 5 fishing communities on Lake Victoria between 2009–2011, we sought to identify factors contributing to the epidemic and to understand the underlying structure of HIV transmission networks. Clinical and socio-demographic data were combined with HIV-1 phylogenetic analyses. HIV-1 gag-p24 and env-gp-41 sub-genomic fragments were amplified and sequenced from 283 HIV-1-infected participants. Phylogenetic clusters with ≥2 highly related sequences were defined as transmission clusters. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with clustering. Results Altogether, 24% (n = 67/283) of HIV positive individuals with sequences fell within 34 phylogenetically distinct clusters in at least one gene region (either gag or env). Of these, 83% occurred either within households or within community; 8/34 (24%) occurred within household partnerships, and 20/34 (59%) within community. 7/12 couples (58%) within households clustered together. Individuals in clusters with potential recent transmission (11/34) were more likely to be younger 71% (15/21) versus 46% (21/46) in un-clustered individuals and had recently become resident in the community 67% (14/21) vs 48% (22/46). Four of 11 (36%) potential transmission clusters included incident-incident transmissions. Independently, clustering was less likely in HIV subtype D (adjusted Odds Ratio, aOR = 0.51 [95% CI 0.26–1.00]) than A and more likely in those living with an HIV-infected individual in the household (aOR = 6.30 [95% CI 3.40–11.68]). Conclusions A large proportion of HIV sexual transmissions occur within house-holds and within communities even in this key mobile population. The findings suggest localized HIV transmissions and hence a potential benefit for the test and treat approach even at a community level, coupled with intensified HIV counselling to identify early infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Kiwuwa-Muyingo
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | - Jamirah Nazziwa
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Deogratius Ssemwanga
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Pauliina Ilmonen
- Aalto University, School of Science, Department of Mathematics and Systems Analysis, Espoo, Finland
| | - Harr Njai
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Nicaise Ndembi
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Chris Parry
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Asiki Gershim
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Leslie Neilsen
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, United States of America
| | - Janet Seeley
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Heikki Seppälä
- Aalto University, School of Science, Department of Mathematics and Systems Analysis, Espoo, Finland
| | - Fred Lyagoba
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Anatoli Kamali
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pontiano Kaleebu
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Understanding HIV-1 transmission dynamics is relevant to both screening and intervention strategies of HIV-1 infection. Commonly, HIV-1 transmission chains are determined based on sequence similarity assessed either directly from a sequence alignment or by inferring a phylogenetic tree. This review is aimed at both nonexperts interested in understanding and interpreting studies of HIV-1 transmission, and experts interested in finding the most appropriate cluster definition for a specific dataset and research question. We start by introducing the concepts and methodologies of how HIV-1 transmission clusters usually have been defined. We then present the results of a systematic review of 105 HIV-1 molecular epidemiology studies summarizing the most common methods and definitions in the literature. Finally, we offer our perspectives on how HIV-1 transmission clusters can be defined and provide some guidance based on examples from real life datasets.
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9
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Daw MA, El-Bouzedi A, Ahmed MO, Dau AA. Molecular and epidemiological characterization of HIV-1 subtypes among Libyan patients. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:170. [PMID: 28454556 PMCID: PMC5410017 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2491-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The epidemiological and clinical aspects of human immunodeficiency virus subtypes are of great interest worldwide. These subtypes are rarely studied in North African countries. Libya is a large country with the longest coast on the Mediterranean Sea, facing the Southern European countries. Studies on the characterization of HIV-1 subtypes are limited in Libya. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of the HIV problem among the Libyan population and to better understand the genetic diversity and the epidemiologic dynamics of HIV 1, as well as to correlate that with the risk factors involved. Methods A total of 159 HIV-1 strains were collected from 814 HIV positive patients from the four Libyan regions during a 16-year period (1995–2010). To determine the HIV-1 subtypes, genetic analysis and molecular sequencing were carried out using provirus polygene. Epidemiologic and demographic information was obtained from each participant and correlated with HIV-1 subtypes using logistic regression. Results The overall prevalence of HIV among Libyans ranged from 5 to 10 per 100,000 during the study period. It was higher among intravenous drug users (IVDUs) (53.9%), blood recipients (25.9%) and heterosexuals (17.6%) than by vertical transmission (2.6%). Prevalence was higher among males aged 20–40 years (M:F 1:6, P > 0.001). Among the 159 strains of HIV-1 available for typing, 117 strains (73.6%) were subtype B, 29 (18.2%) were CRF02_AG, and 13 (8.2%) were subtype A. HIV-1 subtype B was the most prevalent all over the country, and it was more prevalent in the Northern region, particularly among IVDUs (P < 0.001). GRF02_AG was common in the Eastern region, particularly among blood recipients while subtype A emerged in the Western region, particularly among IVDUs. Conclusions HIV-1 infection is emerging in Libya with a shifting prevalence of subtypes associated with the changing epidemiology of HIV-1 among risk groups. A genetic analysis of HIV-1 strains demonstrated low subtype heterogeneity with the evolution of subtype B, and CRF_20 AG, as well as HIV-1 subtype A. Our study highlights the importance of expanded surveillance programs to control HIV infection and the necessity of introducing public health strategies to target the risk groups, particularly IVDUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Daw
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, CC 82668, Tripoli, Libya. .,, Tripoli, Libya. .,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya.
| | - Abdallah El-Bouzedi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Tripoli, CC 82668, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Mohamed O Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Tripoli, CC 82668, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Aghnyia A Dau
- Department of Surgery, Tripoli Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, CC 82668, Tripoli, Libya
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10
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Parczewski M, Leszczyszyn-Pynka M, Witak-Jędra M, Rymer W, Zalewska M, Gąsiorowski J, Bociąga-Jasik M, Kalinowska-Nowak A, Garlicki A, Grzeszczuk A, Jankowska M, Lemańska M, Barałkiewicz G, Mozer-Lisewska I, Łojewski W, Grąbczewska E, Olczak A, Jabłonowska E, Urbańska A. Distribution and time trends of HIV-1 variants in Poland: Characteristics of non-B clades and recombinant viruses. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 39:232-240. [PMID: 26851192 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The spread of HIV-1 subtypes varies considerably both worldwide and within Europe, with non-B variants commonly found across various exposure groups. This study aimed to analyse the distribution and temporal trends in HIV-1 subtype variability across Poland. For analysis of the subtype distribution, 1219 partial pol sequences obtained from patients followed up in 9 of 17 Polish HIV treatment centres were used. Subtyping was inferred using the maximum likelihood method; recombination was assessed using the bootscanning and jumping profile hidden Markov model methods. Subtype B dominated in the studied group (n=1059, 86.9%); in 160 (13.1%) sequences, non-B variants were present [A1 (n=63, 5.2%), D (n=43, 3.5%), C (n=22, 1.8%), and F1 (n=2, 0.2%)]. In 25 (2.1%) cases circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) were found. Five A1 variants (0.4%) were unique AB recombinant forms (URF) not previously identified in Poland. Non-B clades were notably more common among females (n=73, 45.6%, p<0.001) and heterosexual individuals (n=103, 66.5%, p<0.001) and less frequent among men who have sex with men (MSM) (n=27, 17.42%, p<0.001). HIV-1 viral load at diagnosis was higher among non-B cases [median: 5.0 (IQR: 4.4-5.6)] vs. [median: 4.8 (IQR: 4.3-5.4) log copies/ml for subtype B (p<0.001)] with a lower CD4(+) lymphocyte count at baseline [median: 248 (IQR: 75-503) for non-B vs. median: 320 (IQR: 125-497) cells/μl for subtype B; p<0.001]. The frequency of the non-B subtypes proved stable from 2008 (11.5%) to 2014 (8.0%) [OR: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.84-1.07), p=0.4], with no temporal differences for exposure groups, gender, age and AIDS. Despite the predominance of subtype B, the variability of HIV in Poland is notable; both CRFs and URFs are present in the analysed population. Non-B variants are associated with heterosexual transmission, more advanced HIV disease and have stable temporal frequencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miłosz Parczewski
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Leszczyszyn-Pynka
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Witak-Jędra
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland
| | - Weronika Rymer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Zalewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Jacek Gąsiorowski
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Monika Bociąga-Jasik
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Kalinowska-Nowak
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Aleksander Garlicki
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Grzeszczuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Maria Jankowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University in Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | | | - Iwona Mozer-Lisewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
| | - Władysław Łojewski
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital in Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Edyta Grąbczewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Anita Olczak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Jabłonowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Łódź, Poland
| | - Anna Urbańska
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland
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11
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Lai A, Bozzi G, Franzetti M, Binda F, Simonetti FR, De Luca A, Micheli V, Meraviglia P, Bagnarelli P, Di Biagio A, Monno L, Saladini F, Zazzi M, Zehender G, Ciccozzi M, Balotta C. HIV-1 A1 Subtype Epidemic in Italy Originated from Africa and Eastern Europe and Shows a High Frequency of Transmission Chains Involving Intravenous Drug Users. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146097. [PMID: 26752062 PMCID: PMC4709132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subtype A accounts for only 12% of HIV-1 infections worldwide but predominates in Russia and Former Soviet Union countries of Eastern Europe. After an early propagation via heterosexual contacts, this variant spread explosively among intravenous drug users. A distinct A1 variant predominates in Greece and Albania, which penetrated directly from Africa. Clade A1 accounts for 12.5% of non-B subtypes in Italy, being the most frequent after F1 subtype. Aim Aim of this study was to investigate the circulation of A1 subtype in Italy and trace its origin and diffusion through phylogenetic and phylodynamic approaches. Results The phylogenetic analysis of 113 A1 pol sequences included in the Italian ARCA database, indicated that 71 patients (62.8%) clustered within 5 clades. A higher probability to be detected in clusters was found for patients from Eastern Europe and Italy (88.9% and 60.4%, respectively) compared to those from Africa (20%) (p < .001). Higher proportions of clustering sequences were found in intravenous drug users with respect to heterosexuals (85.7% vs. 59.3%, p = .056) and in women with respect to men (81.4% vs. 53.2%, p < .006). Subtype A1 dated phylogeny indicated an East African origin around 1961. Phylogeographical reconstruction highlighted 3 significant groups. One involved East European and some Italian variants, the second encompassed some Italian and African strains, the latter included the majority of viruses carried by African and Italian subjects and all viral sequences from Albania and Greece. Conclusions Subtype A1 originated in Central Africa and spread among East European countries in 1982. It entered Italy through three introduction events: directly from East Africa, from Albania and Greece, and from the area encompassing Moldavia and Ukraine. As in previously documented A1 epidemics of East European countries, HIV-1 A1 subtype spread in Italy in part through intravenous drug users. However, Eastern European women contributed to the penetration of such variant, probably through sex work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Lai
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Giorgio Bozzi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Franzetti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Binda
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco R. Simonetti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea De Luca
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Valeria Micheli
- Laboratory of Microbiology, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Meraviglia
- 2nd Division of Infectious Diseases, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bagnarelli
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Microbiology, Laboratory of Virology, University Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Laura Monno
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Zazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianguglielmo Zehender
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Epidemiology Unit, Department of Infectious, Parasite and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Italian Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Balotta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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12
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Pernas B, Mena A, Cañizares A, Grandal M, Castro-Iglesias A, Pértega S, Pedreira JD, Poveda E. Trends on epidemiological, virological, and clinical features among newly diagnosed HIV-1 persons in Northwest Spain over the last 10 years. J Med Virol 2015; 87:1319-26. [PMID: 25777786 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
To describe temporal trend and characteristics of newly HIV-diagnosed patients in a medical care area in Northwest Spain over the last 10 years. All newly diagnosed patients for HIV-infection from 2004 to 2013 at a reference medical care area in Northwest of Spain were identified. Epidemiological, virological, immunological, and clinical data, as well as HIV genotype and drug resistance information were recorded. A total of 565 newly HIV-diagnosed patients were identified. The number of new cases increased in the last 5 years (66 cases/year). Overall, 53.1% had a median CD4 counts < 350 cells/µl and 33.6% had an AIDS defining criteria. Non-B variants were found in 34.4% of patients being subtype F (25.8%) the most common non-B subtype. The rate of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) over the study period was 3.7%, but a decreased to 2.6% was observed in the last 5 years. The most prevalent TDR mutations were: T215 revertants (1.5%), K219QENR (1.2%), for NRTIs; K103N (1.9%), for NNRTIs; L90M (0.3%), for PIs. Overall, 73.2% of patients started antiretroviral treatment and 9.9% of patients died during follow-up. The number of newly HIV diagnosed patients increased since year 2009. There is a high prevalence of late diagnosis (53%) and 33% had an AIDS defining criteria. Interestingly, the most prevalent non-B subtype in our population was F (25.8%). These findings support the need to facilitate the access for HIV testing to reduce the rate of late HIV diagnosis, improve the clinical outcome and prevent HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Pernas
- Division of Clinical Virology, INIBIC-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - A Mena
- Division of Clinical Virology, INIBIC-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - A Cañizares
- Service of Microbiology, INIBIC-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - M Grandal
- Division of Clinical Virology, INIBIC-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - A Castro-Iglesias
- Division of Clinical Virology, INIBIC-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - S Pértega
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, INIBIC-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - J D Pedreira
- Division of Clinical Virology, INIBIC-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - E Poveda
- Division of Clinical Virology, INIBIC-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
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13
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High prevalence of subtype F in newly diagnosed HIV-1 persons in northwest Spain and evidence for impaired treatment response. AIDS 2014; 28:1837-40. [PMID: 24871456 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1 non-B subtype variants were found in 37.8% of 296 newly diagnosed persons in northwest Spain over the past 5 years. Subtype F was the most prevalent non-B subtype (29.6%) and displayed preferential transmission among MSM. Virologic response rates to antiretroviral therapy were lower among F subtypes compared to B subtypes at weeks 24 (31% vs. 78.3%), 48 (51.7% vs. 85.2%), and 96 (61.1% vs. 94.3%) of therapy. Subtype F was independently associated with virological response at 24 weeks.
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14
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Lai A, Ciccozzi M, Franzetti M, Simonetti FR, Bozzi G, Binda F, Rosi A, Bonora S, De Luca A, Balotta C, Zehender G. Local and global spatio-temporal dynamics of HIV-1 subtype F1. J Med Virol 2013; 86:186-92. [PMID: 24122963 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.23783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have attempted to explore the origin of the F1 subtype, but the precise origin of the Romanian and South American F1 variants remains controversial. As the F1 subtype is the most frequent non-B variant among Europeans residing in Italy, the aim of this study was to estimate its phylogeography in order to reconstruct its origin and route of dispersion. The phylogeographical analyses, which were made using the Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach and BEAST software, revealed two significant clades: the first included all of the Romanian strains together with a few Italian and four African isolates; the second encompassed all of the South American sequences and the large majority of Italian variants. By putting the African reference sequences into two discrete groups based on specific countries, phylogeographic analysis indicated that the F1 epidemic originated in Cameroon/Democratic Republic of Congo in the early 1940s, and was exported to South America 10 years later. Subsequently, the F1 virus spread to Angola and, from there, was exported to Romania in the early 1960s. It reached Italy in the 1970s from South America and Romania. The South American and Romanian variants of F1 have different African countries of origin and different temporal spreads. The South American variant seems to be characterized by multiple introduction events, whereas the Romanian strain probably spread as a result of a single entry. Two different pathways from South America and Romania led the F1 variant to Italy in the 1970s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Lai
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, L. Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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15
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Santoro MM, Perno CF. HIV-1 Genetic Variability and Clinical Implications. ISRN MICROBIOLOGY 2013; 2013:481314. [PMID: 23844315 PMCID: PMC3703378 DOI: 10.1155/2013/481314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy that have revolutionized HIV disease management, effective control of the HIV infection pandemic remains elusive. Beyond the classic non-B endemic areas, HIV-1 non-B subtype infections are sharply increasing in previous subtype B homogeneous areas such as Europe and North America. As already known, several studies have shown that, among non-B subtypes, subtypes C and D were found to be more aggressive in terms of disease progression. Luckily, the response to antiretrovirals against HIV-1 seems to be similar among different subtypes, but these results are mainly based on small or poorly designed studies. On the other hand, differences in rates of acquisition of resistance among non-B subtypes are already being observed. This different propensity, beyond the type of treatment regimens used, as well as access to viral load testing in non-B endemic areas seems to be due to HIV-1 clade specific peculiarities. Indeed, some non-B subtypes are proved to be more prone to develop resistance compared to B subtype. This phenomenon can be related to the presence of subtype-specific polymorphisms, different codon usage, and/or subtype-specific RNA templates. This review aims to provide a complete picture of HIV-1 genetic diversity and its implications for HIV-1 disease spread, effectiveness of therapies, and drug resistance development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mercedes Santoro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- INMI L Spallanzani Hospital, Antiretroviral Therapy Monitoring Unit, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
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16
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Tramuto F, Maida CM, Bonura F, Perna AM, Vitale F. Dynamics and molecular evolution of HIV-1 strains in Sicily among antiretroviral naïve patients. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 16:290-7. [PMID: 23470353 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1 subtype B is the most frequent strain in Sicily. To date, there is no available data about the genetic diversity of HIV-1 viral strains circulating in Sicily among antiretroviral (ARV) naïve subjects and the role of immigration as potential determinant of evolutionary dynamics of HIV-1 molecular epidemiology. For this purpose, HIV-1 polymerase (pol) sequences obtained from 155 ARV naïve individuals from 2004 to 2009 were phylogenetically analysed. The overall rate of HIV-1 non-B infections was 31.0% (n=48/155), increasing from 7.8% in 2004-2006 to 40.9% in 2009, and about one-third were identified as unique recombinant forms. CRF02_AG was the prevalent non-B clade (n=28/48, 58.3%), while subtype C-related strains were responsible for about 30% HIV-1 infections. Non-B viruses strictly associated with heterosexual transmission (85.4%) and were mostly found among immigrants (77.1%). Phylogenetic analysis of non-B sequences found in foreign-born subjects was geographically correlated to the respective country of origin. Moreover, the detection of non-B viral variants in the autochthonous population may support an increasing genetic diversity in Sicily as well as a local circulation of HIV strains also uncommon in our country. In Sicily, HIV-1 epidemic is still mostly attributable to the B subtype. Nevertheless, migration and population movements are progressively introducing novel HIV-1 subtypes causing a continuous increase of HIV-1 molecular dynamic at local level. Molecular surveillance is needed to monitor the genetic evolution of HIV-1 epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Tramuto
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion G. D'Alessandro - Hygiene Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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