ABSTRACT
AIM: To simultaneously analyze HIV-1 samples from all Russian regions to characterize the epidemiology of HIV infection in the country as a whole. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The most extensive study was conducted to examine nucleotide sequences of the pol gene of HIV-1 samples isolated from HIV-positive persons in different regions of Russia, with the diagnosis date being fixed during 1987-2015. The nucleotide sequences of the HIV-1 genome were analyzed using computer programs and on-line applications to identify a virus subtype and new recombinant forms. RESULTS: The nucleotide sequences of the pol gene were analyzed in 1697 HIV-1 samples and the findings were that the genetic variant subtype A1 (IDU-A) was dominant throughout the entire territory of Russia (in more than 80% of all infection cases). Other virus variants circulating in Russia were analyzed; the phenomenon of the higher distribution of the recombinant form CRF63/02A in Siberia, which had been previously described in the literature, was also confirmed. Four new recombinant forms generated by the virus subtype A1 (IDU-A) and B and two AG recombinant forms were found. There was a larger genetic distance between the viruses of IDU-A variant circulating among the injecting drug users and those infected through heterosexual contact, as well as a change in the viruses of subtype G that caused the outbreak in the south of the country over time in 1988-1989. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate continuous HIV-1 genetic variability and recombination over time in Russia, as well as increased genetic diversity with higher HIV infection rates in the population.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/virology , HIV-1/classification , Genetic Variation/genetics , HIV-1/genetics , Humans , Recombination, Genetic/genetics , Russia/epidemiology , Siberia/epidemiologyABSTRACT
The paper presents the data of an investigation of the genetic polymorphism of the pol gene encoding viral integrase (IN) in a HIV subtype A infected population in the Lipetsk Region. The investigators analyzed 32 virus subtype A samples obtained in 2002-2007. Polymorphism at the codons associated with IN resistance to chemicals was observed in 7 virus variants. The found substitutions had a pattern of genetic polymorphism and were unassociated with resistance in 6 patients with the test subtype A population. At the same time, minor RAL resistance mutation was revealed in 1 (3.1%) virus variant while the similar mutations in the subtype G population were about 10%.
Subject(s)
Genes, pol/genetics , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/virology , HIV Integrase/genetics , HIV-1/genetics , Polymorphism, Genetic , Codon/genetics , Drug Resistance, Viral/genetics , Female , HIV Integrase Inhibitors/pharmacology , HIV-1/drug effects , Humans , Male , Phylogeny , Russia/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Molecular epidemiologic study of HIV-1 variants isolated in the Lipetsk region during 1994 - 2006 period was performed. It has been shown that 3 env-subtypes (A, B, and C) and 3 gag-subtypes (A, B, and C) are widespread in the region. The virus was transmitted both sexually and by injecting drug users. Phylogenetic analysis of gag and env genes nucleotide sequences was performed, which revealed that 4 variants of HIV-1 with genotypes gagA/envA, gagB/envB, gagC/envC, and recombinant gagA/envB are circulating in the region.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV-1/genetics , Molecular Epidemiology , Genes, env/genetics , Genes, gag/genetics , HIV-1/classification , Humans , Phylogeny , Risk Factors , Russia/epidemiology , Species Specificity , Substance Abuse, Intravenous , Unsafe SexABSTRACT
The spread routes of HIV infection in the Lipetsk Region showing a low incidence of this infection rate are analyzed in detail. The findings indicate that the trend in identification of HIV-infected persons in this region reflects the all-Russian HIV-infection spread situation, but the epidemic process has a number of features.
