ABSTRACT
@#Abstract: Objective To understand the difference of DNA sequence and RNA sequence of paired pol region in HIV patients in constructing HIV genetic transmission network, and to provide scientific data for constructing molecular transmission networks using DNA sequences. Methods The whole blood and plasma samples of HIV patients living in 2014 and newly reported in 2015-2018 in Liuzhou, Guangxi, were collected, DNA and RNA sequences were extracted, amplified, sequenced, spliced and aligned, and then genetic transmission networks were constructed, and the connectivity consistency of genetic transmission networks constructed by DNA and RNA sequences was compared. Results In this study, a total 2 983 participants were investigated, which were 2014 baseline and 2015-2018 newly reported HIV patients, of which 2 590 participants were only DNA sequences in 2014 baseline, 196 HIV patients were both DNA and RNA sequences of paired pol region in 2014 baseline, and 197 newly reported HIV patients were both DNA and RNA sequences of paired pol region in 2015-2018. In 393 DNA and RNA sequences of paired pol region, the genotype of DNA sequence and RNA sequence were consistent, and there was no statistically significant difference in genetic distance between paired DNA sequences and RNA sequences (Z=-2.72, P=1.00). The connection consistency rate of genetic transmission networks constructed by DNA and RNA sequences of paired pol region of 2015-2018 newly reported with the baseline DNA sequences was 91.4% (108/197). And the connection consistency rate of genetic transmission networks constructed by DNA and RNA sequences of paired pol region of 2015-2018 newly reported with the baseline RNA sequences was 97.0% (191/197). There was no statistical difference in antiretroviral therapy to reduce the risk of HIV secondary transmission between genetic transmission networks constructed by DNA and RNA sequences of paired of pol gene newly reported from 2015 to 2018 with baseline DNA sequence. Conclusion DNA sequence and RNA sequence of paired pol region of HIV patients have good consistency in genotype, genetic distance, and genetic transmission network construction, and both DNA and RNA sequences can be used for genetic transmission network analysis.