Identification of a novel HIV-1 intra-circulating recombinant form 01_AE in China: a descendant of the previously identified CRF01_AE transmission clusters 1 and 6

Abstract

We report here a novel HIV-1 intra-CRF01_AE recombinant form (CRF01-1AE/CRF01-6AE) composed of CRF01_AE transmission clusters 1 and 6, identified among heterosexuals in Fujian, with one breakpoint observed in vif gene. The CRF01_AE region I (HXB2: 868-5184) of the recombinant was clustered with the CRF01_AE transmission cluster 1, which is mainly circulating among IDUs and heterosexuals from the southern and southwestern China, with the support of 100% bootstrap value. The CRF01_AE region II (HXB2: 5185-9605) of the recombinant was clustered with the CRF01_AE transmission cluster 6, which is mainly prevailing among heterosexuals from southern China, with the support of 100% bootstrap value. To our best knowledge, this is the first detection of a novel HIV-1 intra-CRF01_AE recombinant form (CRF01-1_AE/CRF01-6_AE) in Fujian Province, which indicates ongoing active HIV-1 transmission among heterosexuals in this region. It may help illustrate CRF01_AE genetic diversity and contribute to our understanding of HIV-1 epidemiology, pathogenesis, and vaccine development.

Determinants and Status of HIV Disclosure among Reproductive Age Women on Antiretroviral Therapy at Three Health Facilities in Jimma Town, Ethiopia, 2017

“…HIV/AIDS disclosure is an important because of the multiple benefits for HIV infected individuals, their partners and the community as a whole in HIV/AIDS prevention [6,7]. HIV disclosure among couples is encouraged as it promotes safer sexual behaviours, lowers HIV transmission, decreases stigma and recommends access to testing and treatment, care and support, PMTCT and it can also encourage partners to make informed reproductive health options [8][9][10].…”