ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtypes among intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Kunming, Yunnan province, in 2014.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 276 plasma samples were collected from IDUs in Kunming during April 2014 -July 2014, in which 199 plasma samples were tested to be HCV antibody positive. For the HCV antibody positive samples, HCV E1E2 genes and NS5B genes were amplified by using nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After sequencing, the HCV subtypes were determined through phylogenetic analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Based on the phylogenetic trees of E1E2 gene and NS5B gene fragments, a total of 125 samples were genotyped. 3b was the predominant subtype (48.8%,61/125), followed by 3a (30.4%, 38/125), 6n (14.4%, 18/125), 6a (3.2%, 4/125) and 1b (3.2%, 4/125). The distributions of HCV subtypes by sex, marital status, ethnic group and HIV-1 infection status showed no statistical differences. However, the distribution of HCV subtypes by age showed statistical difference, the diversity of HCV subtypes was found in age group <45 years. The genetic distances of 3a, 3b and 6a on E1E2 and NS5B were larger than those of 1b and 6n. For genotype 3, the genetic distances of 3b on E1E2 and NS5B were larger than those of 3a.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Five HCV subtypes were found among IDUs in Kunming, HCV subtypes 3b and 3a were predominant, which have circulated in this population for long time.</p>
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the HIV-1 genotypes and transmitted drug resistance (TDR) in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province in 2013.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Referring to the guidelines for HIV drug resistance threshold survey (HIVDR-TS), 54 plasma samples of recently reported HIV-infected individuals, aged between 16 and 25 years, were collected in Dehong prefecture from January to August 2013. Genotyping of partial pol gene was performed by using reverse transcriptional PCR. HIV-1 genotype. Prevalent levels of HIV-1 drug resistance transmission were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Forty-eight plasma samples were successfully sequenced and analyzed. Among them, 45.8% were Chinese and the rest 54.2% were all Burmese. Based on pol sequences, identified HIV genotypes included subtype C (41.7%), URF (31.3%), CRF01_AE (12.5%), CRF07_BC (10.4%), CRF08_BC (2.1%) and subtype B (2.1%), C subtype appeared dominated in Chinese while URF was dominated in Burmese. One drug resistant mutation to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) was detected in one sequence from Burmese. Based on the statistical method of HIVDR-TS, the prevalence of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance was adjusted as < 5%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Diverse HIV-1 genotypes were found in this study, and the current HIV-1 drug resistant strains transmission was catalogued as at low prevalence level, in Dehong. To prevent the increase of the prevalence of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance, standard treatment and scientific management for people living with HIV/AIDS should be strictly followed. Meanwhile, relevant surveillance, including drug resistance surveillance should also be performed among cross-border migrant population.</p>