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Evaluation of HIV Transmission Clusters among Natives and Foreigners Living in Italy. Viruses 2020; 12:v12080791. [PMID: 32718024 PMCID: PMC7472346 DOI: 10.3390/v12080791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed at evaluating the characteristics of HIV-1 molecular transmission clusters (MTCs) among natives and migrants living in Italy, diagnosed between 1998 and 2018. Phylogenetic analyses were performed on HIV-1 polymerase (pol) sequences to characterise subtypes and identify MTCs, divided into small (SMTCs, 2–3 sequences), medium (MMTCs, 4–9 sequences) and large (LMTCs, ≥10 sequences). Among 3499 drug-naïve individuals enrolled in the Italian Cohort Naive Antiretroviral (ICONA) cohort (2804 natives; 695 migrants), 726 (20.8%; 644 natives, 82 migrants) were involved in 228 MTCs (6 LMTCs, 36 MMTCs, 186 SMTCs). Migrants contributed 14.4% to SMTCs, 7.6% to MMTCs and 7.1% to LMTCs, respectively. HIV-1 non-B subtypes were found in 51 MTCs; noteworthy was that non-B infections involved in MTCs were more commonly found in natives (n = 47) than in migrants (n = 4). Factors such as Italian origin, being men who have sex with men (MSM), younger age, more recent diagnosis and a higher CD4 count were significantly associated with MTCs. Our findings show that HIV-1 clustering transmission among newly diagnosed individuals living in Italy is prevalently driven by natives, mainly MSM, with a more recent diagnosis and frequently infected with HIV-1 non-B subtypes. These results can contribute to monitoring of the HIV epidemic and guiding the public health response to prevent new HIV infections.
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High HIV-1 diversity in immigrants resident in Italy (2008-2017). Sci Rep 2020; 10:3226. [PMID: 32094387 PMCID: PMC7039940 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59084-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The proportion of new diagnoses of HIV infection in immigrants residing in Italy raised from 11% in 1992 to 29.7% in 2018. To investigate the HIV clades circulating in this community a retrospective study was performed in 557 HIV-infected immigrants living in 12 Italian cities. Immigrants originated from East-Europe and Central-Asia (11.7%), North Africa and Middle East (7.3%), South and South-East Asia (7.2%), Latin America and the Caribbean (14.4%), and sub-Saharan Africa (59.4%). More than 87% of immigrants were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), although 26.6% of them were viremic. A 22.0% of immigrants had hepatitis (HBV and/or HCV) and/or tuberculosis. HIV phylogenetic analysis on sequences from 192 immigrants showed the presence of clades B (23.4%), G (16.1%), C (10.4%), A1 (9.4%), F1 (5.2%), D (1.6%) and Circulating Recombinant Forms (CRFs) (33.9%). CRF02_AG represented 72.3% of the total CRFs. Clusters between immigrants and Italian natives were also present. Drug resistance mutations to NRTI, NNRTI, and PI drug classes occurred in 29.1% of ART-treated and in 12.9% of ART-naïve individuals. These data highlight the need for tailored public health interventions in immigrants to avoid spreading in Italy of HIV genetic forms and ART-resistant variants, as well as HIV co-morbidities.
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Fabeni L, Alteri C, Berno G, Scutari R, Orchi N, De Carli G, Bertoli A, Carioti L, Gori C, Forbici F, Salpini R, Vergori A, Gagliardini R, Cicalini S, Mondi A, Pinnetti C, Mazzuti L, Turriziani O, Colafigli M, Borghi V, Montella F, Pennica A, Lichtner M, Girardi E, Andreoni M, Mussini C, Antinori A, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Perno CF, Santoro MM. Characterisation of HIV-1 molecular transmission clusters among newly diagnosed individuals infected with non-B subtypes in Italy. Sex Transm Infect 2019; 95:619-625. [PMID: 31076456 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2019-054017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated the characteristics of HIV-1 molecular transmission clusters (MTCs) in 1890 newly diagnosed individuals infected with non-B subtypes between 2005 and 2017 in Italy. METHODS Phylogenetic analyses were performed on pol sequences to characterise subtypes/circulating recombinant forms and identify MTCs. MTCs were divided into small (SMTCs, 2-3 sequences), medium (MMTCs, 4-9 sequences) and large (LMTCs, ≥10 sequences). Factors associated with MTCs were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS 145 MTCs were identified and involved 666 individuals (35.2%); 319 of them (16.9%) were included in 13 LMTCs, 111 (5.9%) in 20 MMTCs and 236 (12.5%) in 112 SMTCs. Compared with individuals out of MTCs, individuals involved in MTCs were prevalently Italian (72.7% vs 30.9%, p<0.001), male (82.9% vs 62.3%, p<0.001) and men who have sex with men (MSM) (43.5% vs 14.5%, p<0.001). Individuals in MTCs were also younger (median (IQR) years: 41 (35-49) vs 43 (36-51), p<0.001) and had higher CD4 cell count in comparison with individuals out of MTCs (median (IQR): 109/L: 0.4 (0.265-0.587) vs 0.246 (0.082-0.417), p<0.001). The viral load remained stable between the two groups (median (IQR) log10 copies/mL: 4.8 (4.2-5.5) vs 5.0 (4.3-5.5), p=0.87). Logistic regression confirmed that certain factors such as being MSM, of Italian origin, younger age and higher CD4 cell count were significantly associated with MTCs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that HIV-1 newly diagnosed individuals infected with non-B subtypes are involved in several MTCs in Italy. These MTCs include mainly Italians and MSM and highlight the complex phenomenon characterising the HIV-1 spread. This is important especially in view of monitoring the HIV epidemic and guiding the public health response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Fabeni
- Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Alteri
- Oncology and Oncohematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Berno
- Laboratory of Virology, INMI "Lazzaro Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossana Scutari
- Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Orchi
- AIDS Reference Center, INMI "Lazzaro Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ada Bertoli
- Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Carioti
- Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Gori
- Laboratory of Virology, INMI "Lazzaro Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Forbici
- Laboratory of Virology, INMI "Lazzaro Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Salpini
- Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Annalisa Mondi
- Clinical Department, INMI "Lazzaro Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Pinnetti
- Clinical Department, INMI "Lazzaro Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Mazzuti
- Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Vanni Borghi
- Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | - Miriam Lichtner
- Infectious Diseases Unit, "Sapienza" University, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Enrico Girardi
- Clinical Epidemiology, INMI "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Infectious Diseases, University Hospital "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Mussini
- Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Antinori
- Clinical Department, INMI "Lazzaro Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Oncology and Oncohematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Virology, INMI "Lazzaro Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Serafino S, Cella E, Montagna C, Cavallari EN, Vittozzi P, Lo Presti A, Giovanetti M, Mazzuti L, Turriziani O, Ceccarelli G, d'Ettorre G, Vullo V, Ciccozzi M. An epidemiological investigation to reconstruct a probable human immunodeficiency virus-1 transmission network: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2015; 9:253. [PMID: 26527158 PMCID: PMC4630910 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-015-0717-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently published studies have highlighted the importance of phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses in supporting epidemiological investigations to reconstruct the transmission network of human immunodeficiency virus. Here, we report a case of sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 between a man and a woman that marks once more the importance of a tightened collaboration between phylogeny and epidemiology. CASE PRESENTATION We describe a case of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype B transmission in a stable Caucasian heterosexual couple. The man was 30 years old and the woman was 21 years old at the time of their presentation to the Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases of the University of Rome "Sapienza". The couple reported a history of drug abuse. CONCLUSION Phylogenetic analysis is a powerful technique that if properly used can prove valuable in research investigations. In the case presented here, a phylogenetic analysis alongside epidemiological evidence allowed us to determine the most probable source of the human immunodeficiency virus infection. The dated tree allowed us to date the transmission event, the time point, and the direction of transmission based on the phylogeny, which agreed with the presumptive time of infection determined from clinical history-taking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Serafino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Cella
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Infectious Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Reference Centre on Phylogeny, Molecular Epidemiology and Microbial Evolution (FEMEM)/Epidemiology Unit, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
| | - Claudia Montagna
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Pietro Vittozzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Lo Presti
- Department of Infectious Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Reference Centre on Phylogeny, Molecular Epidemiology and Microbial Evolution (FEMEM)/Epidemiology Unit, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Department of Infectious Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Reference Centre on Phylogeny, Molecular Epidemiology and Microbial Evolution (FEMEM)/Epidemiology Unit, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Mazzuti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ombretta Turriziani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gabriella d'Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Vullo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Department of Infectious Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Reference Centre on Phylogeny, Molecular Epidemiology and Microbial Evolution (FEMEM)/Epidemiology Unit, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy. .,University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy. .,Epidemiology Unit, Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità- V.le Regina Elena, 299 - 00161, Roma, Italy.
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Analysis of a local HIV-1 epidemic in portugal highlights established transmission of non-B and non-G subtypes. J Clin Microbiol 2015; 53:1506-14. [PMID: 25694526 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03611-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The existing data support Portugal as the western European country with the highest HIV-1 subtype diversity. However, detailed phylogenetic studies of Portuguese HIV-1 epidemics are still scarce. Thus, our main goal was to analyze the phylodynamics of a local HIV-1 infection in the Portuguese region of Minho. Molecular epidemiological analysis was applied to data from 289 HIV-1-infected individuals followed at the reference hospital of the province of Minho, Portugal, at which isolated viruses had been sequenced between 2000 and 2012. Viruses of the G (29.1%) and B (27.0%) subtypes were the most frequent, followed by recombinant forms (17.6%) and the C (14.5%), F1 (7.3%), and A1 (4.2%) subtypes. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that the odds of being infected with the A1 and F1 subtypes increased over the years compared with those with B, G, or C subtypes or recombinant viruses. As expected, polyphyletic patterns suggesting multiple and old introductions of the B and G subtypes were found. However, transmission clusters of non-B and non-G viruses among native individuals were also found, with the dates of the most recent common ancestor estimated to be in the early 2000s. Our study supports that the HIV-1 subtype diversity in the Portuguese region of Minho is high and has been increasing in a manner that is apparently driven by factors other than immigration and international travel. Infections with A1 and F1 viruses in the region of Minho are becoming established and are mainly found in sexually transmitted clusters, reinforcing the need for more efficacious control measures targeting this infection route.
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Simonetti FR, Lai A, Monno L, Binda F, Brindicci G, Punzi G, Bozzi G, Violin M, Galli M, Zazzi M, Angarano G, Balotta C. Identification of a new HIV-1 BC circulating recombinant form (CRF60_BC) in Italian young men having sex with men. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 23:176-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Acquisition of HIV by African-born residents of Victoria, Australia: insights from molecular epidemiology. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84008. [PMID: 24391866 PMCID: PMC3877143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
African-born Australians are a recognised "priority population" in Australia's Sixth National HIV/AIDS Strategy. We compared exposure location and route for African-born people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Victoria, Australia, with HIV-1 pol subtype from drug resistance assays and geographical origin suggested by phylogenetic analysis of env gene. Twenty adult HIV positive African-born Victorian residents were recruited via treating doctors. HIV exposure details were obtained from interviews and case notes. Viral RNA was extracted from participant stored plasma or whole blood. The env V3 region was sequenced and compared to globally representative reference HIV-1 sequences in the Los Alamos National Library HIV Database. Twelve participants reported exposure via heterosexual sex and two via iatrogenic blood exposures; four were men having sex with men (MSM); two were exposed via unknown routes. Eight participants reported exposure in their countries of birth, seven in Australia, three in other countries and two in unknown locations. Genotype results (pol) were available for ten participants. HIV env amplification was successful in eighteen cases. HIV-1 subtype was identified in all participants: eight both pol and env; ten env alone and two pol alone. Twelve were subtype C, four subtype B, three subtype A and one subtype CRF02_AG. Reported exposure location was consistent with the phylogenetic clustering of env sequences. African Australians are members of multiple transnational social and sexual networks influencing their exposure to HIV. Phylogenetic analysis may complement traditional surveillance to discern patterns of HIV exposure, providing focus for HIV prevention programs in mobile populations.
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Circulation of HIV-1 CRF02_AG among MSM population in central Italy: a molecular epidemiology-based study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:810617. [PMID: 24369538 PMCID: PMC3863479 DOI: 10.1155/2013/810617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. The evolutionary and demographic history of the circular recombinant form CRF02_AG in a selected retrospective group of HIV-1 infected men who have sex with men (MSM) resident in Central Italy was investigated. Methods. A total of 55 HIV-1 subtype CRF02_AG pol sequences were analyzed using Bayesian methods and a relaxed molecular clock to reconstruct their dated phylogeny and estimate population dynamics. Results. Dated phylogeny indicated that the HIV-1 CRF02_AG strains currently circulating in Central Italy originated in the early 90's. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis revealed the existence of a main HIV-1 CRF02_AG clade, introduced in the area of Rome before 2000 and subsequently differentiated in two different subclades with a different date of introduction (2000 versus 2005). All the sequences within clusters were interspersed, indicating that the MSM analyzed form a close and restricted network where the individuals, also moving within different clinical centers, attend the same places to meet and exchange sex. Conclusions. It was suggested that the HIV-1 CRF02_AG epidemic entered central Italy in the early 1990s, with a similar trend observed in western Europe.
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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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Santoro MM, Alteri C, Ronga L, Flandre P, Fabeni L, Mercurio F, D'Arrigo R, Gori C, Palamara G, Bertoli A, Forbici F, Salpini R, Boumis E, Tozzi V, Visco-Comandini U, Zaccarelli M, Van Houtte M, Pattery T, Narciso P, Antinori A, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Perno CF. Comparative analysis of drug resistance among B and the most prevalent non-B HIV type 1 subtypes (C, F, and CRF02_AG) in Italy. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2012; 28:1285-93. [PMID: 22417570 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2011.0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, increasing numbers of patients infected with HIV-1 non-B subtypes have been treated with modern antiretroviral regimens. Therefore, a better knowledge of HIV drug resistance in non-B strains is crucial. Thus, we compared the mutational pathways involved in drug resistance among the most common non-B subtypes in Italy (F, C, and CRF02_AG) and the B subtype. In total, 2234 pol sequences from 1231 virologically failing patients from Central Italy were analyzed. The prevalence of resistance mutations in protease and reverse transcriptase between non-B and B subtypes has been evaluated. Among patients treated with nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) and with thymidine analogues (TA) experience, TAMs1 M41L and L210W were less prevalent in CRF02_AG, while TAMs2 T215F and K219E were more prevalent in the F subtype. In NRTI-treated patients having experience with abacavir, didanosine, tenofovir, or stavudine the K65R mutation was mostly prevalent in the C subtype. In non-NRTI (NNRTI)-treated patients infected by the C subtype the prevalence of K103N was lower than in patients infected with other subtypes, while the prevalence of Y181C and Y188L was higher compared to subtype B. The prevalence of Y181C was higher also in subtype F as compared to subtype B. In patients treated with protease inhibitors, L89V was predominantly found in CRF02_AG, while the TPV resistance mutation T74P was predominantly found in the C subtype. Some differences in the genotypic drug resistance have been found among patients infected with B, C, F, and CRF02_AG subtypes in relationship to treatment. These results may be useful for the therapeutic management of individuals infected with HIV-1 non-B strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mercedes Santoro
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Alteri
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Ronga
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, Rome, Italy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabio Mercurio
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Ada Bertoli
- University Hospital Tor Vergata, Molecular Virology, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Romina Salpini
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlo Federico Perno
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, Rome, Italy
- INMI L Spallanzani, Rome, Italy
- University Hospital Tor Vergata, Molecular Virology, Rome, Italy
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Monno L, Brindicci G, Lai A, Punzi G, Altamura M, Simonetti FR, Ladisa N, Saracino A, Balotta C, Angarano G. An outbreak of HIV-1 BC recombinants in Southern Italy. J Clin Virol 2012; 55:370-3. [PMID: 22981618 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2012.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Revised: 08/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Western Europe, a previously subtype B HIV-1 restricted area, BC recombinants have been rarely reported. OBJECTIVE To describe an outbreak of HIV-1 BC recombinants in southern Italy. STUDY DESIGN We analyzed pol (protease/reverse transcriptase) sequences from 135 newly diagnosed HIV-1-infected patients during the years 2009-2011. For phylogenetic relationships, sequences were aligned to the most recent reference data set from the Los Alamos database using BioEdit (version 7.1.3). The resulting alignment was analyzed with the Phylip package (version 3.67) building a neighbor-joining tree based on the Kimura two-parameter substitution model. The reliability of the tree topology was assessed through bootstrapping using 1000 replicates. The recombination pattern was characterized using SimPlot 3.5.1 and SplitsTree 4. RESULTS At phylogenetic analysis, 22 (16.2%) isolates whose sequences were not unequivocally assigned to a pure subtype or known CRF, formed a distinct monophyletic clade (100% of bootstrap value). For these isolates, the recombination analysis identified a BC mosaic pattern with two breakpoints at positions 2778±5 and 3162±8 (HXB2 numbering) which differed from those of known BC CRFs. All patients from whom these sequences were derived were highly educated youth Italians, 91% males and 82% MSM. Sequences of pol integrase, gp120 and gp41 from these same patients were classified as C subtype. CONCLUSIONS This outbreak which further reflects the increasing heterogeneity of HIV epidemic in our country is the first report of an Italian outbreak of a BC recombinant, possibly a novel candidate CRF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Monno
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
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Oliveira V, Bártolo I, Borrego P, Rocha C, Valadas E, Barreto J, Almeida E, Antunes F, Taveira N. Genetic diversity and drug resistance profiles in HIV type 1- and HIV type 2-infected patients from Cape Verde Islands. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2012; 28:510-22. [PMID: 21902592 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2011.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to characterize for the first time the genetic diversity of HIV in Cape Verde Islands as well as the drug resistance profiles in treated and untreated patients. Blood specimens were collected from 41 HIV-1 and 14 HIV-2 patients living in Santiago Island. Half of the patients were on antiretroviral treatment (ART). Pol and env gene sequences were obtained using in-house methods. Phylogenetic analysis was used for viral subtyping and the Stanford Algorithm was used for resistance genotyping. For HIV-1, the amplification of pol and env was possible in 27 patients (66%). HIV-1 patients were infected with subtypes G (13, 48%), B (2, 7%), F1 (2, 7%), and CRF02_AG (2, 7%), and complex recombinant forms including a new C/G variant (n=8, 30%). Drug resistance mutations were detected in the PR and RT of three (10%) treated patients. M41L and K103N transmitted drug resistance mutations were found in 2 of 17 (12%) untreated patients. All 14 HIV-2 isolates belonged to group A. The origin of 12 strains was impossible to determine whereas two strains were closely related to the historic ROD strain. In conclusion, in Cape Verde there is a long-standing HIV-2 epidemic rooted in ROD-like strains and a more recent epidemic of unknown origin. The HIV-1 epidemic is caused by multiple subtypes and complex recombinant forms. Drug resistance HIV-1 strains are present at moderate levels in both treated and untreated patients. Close surveillance in these two populations is crucial to prevent further transmission of drug-resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia Oliveira
- Laboratório de Hemato-Oncologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia, Lisbon, Portugal
- Unidade dos Retrovírus e Infecções Associadas, Centro de Patogénese Molecular, Faculdade de Farmácia de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Bártolo
- Unidade dos Retrovírus e Infecções Associadas, Centro de Patogénese Molecular, Faculdade de Farmácia de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz, Monte de Caparica, Portugal
| | - Pedro Borrego
- Unidade dos Retrovírus e Infecções Associadas, Centro de Patogénese Molecular, Faculdade de Farmácia de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz, Monte de Caparica, Portugal
| | - Cheila Rocha
- Unidade dos Retrovírus e Infecções Associadas, Centro de Patogénese Molecular, Faculdade de Farmácia de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz, Monte de Caparica, Portugal
| | - Emília Valadas
- Clínica Universitária de Doenças Infecciosas/Serviço de Doenças Infecciosas, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa/Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge Barreto
- Hospital Dr. Agostinho Neto, Delegacia de Saúde, Cidade da Praia, Cabo Verde
| | - Elsa Almeida
- Hospital Dr. Agostinho Neto, Delegacia de Saúde, Cidade da Praia, Cabo Verde
| | - Francisco Antunes
- Clínica Universitária de Doenças Infecciosas/Serviço de Doenças Infecciosas, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa/Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno Taveira
- Unidade dos Retrovírus e Infecções Associadas, Centro de Patogénese Molecular, Faculdade de Farmácia de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz, Monte de Caparica, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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13
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Franzetti M, Violin M, Casazza G, Meini G, Callegaro A, Corsi P, Maggiolo F, Pignataro AR, Paolucci S, Gianotti N, Francisci D, Rossotti R, Filice G, Carli T, Zazzi M, Balotta C. Human immunodeficiency virus-1 B and non-B subtypes with the same drug resistance pattern respond similarly to antiretroviral therapy. Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 18:E66-70. [PMID: 22192680 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2011.03740.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We analysed the 12-week virological response to protease inhibitor (PI) or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) therapy in 1108 patients carrying B or non-B human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 subtypes with matched resistance mutation patterns. Response rates were not significantly different for non-B and B subtypes stratified for treatment status (51.5% vs. 41.5% in naïve patients; 46.7% vs. 38.7% in experienced patients) or regimens (46.9% vs. 39.7% with PI; 56.7% vs. 40% with NNRTI). No difference in response was detected in patients harbouring B and non-B subtypes with any resistance profile. Further studies are advisable to fully test this approach on larger datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Franzetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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14
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Véras NMC, Santoro MM, Gray RR, Tatem AJ, Presti AL, Olearo F, Cappelli G, Colizzi V, Takou D, Torimiro J, Russo G, Callegaro A, Salpini R, D'Arrigo R, Perno CF, Goodenow MM, Ciccozzi M, Salemi M. Molecular epidemiology of HIV type 1 CRF02_AG in Cameroon and African patients living in Italy. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2011; 27:1173-82. [PMID: 21453131 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2010.0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 CRF02_AG accounts for >50% of infected individuals in Cameroon. CRF02_AG prevalence has been increasing both in Africa and Europe, particularly in Italy because of migrations from the sub-Saharan region. This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of CRF02_AG in Cameroon by employing Bayesian phylodynamics and analyzed the relationship between HIV-1 CRF02_AG isolates circulating in Italy and those prevalent in Africa to understand the link between the two epidemics. Among 291 Cameroonian reverse transcriptase sequences analyzed, about 70% clustered within three distinct clades, two of which shared a most recent common ancestor, all related to sequences from Western Africa. The major Cameroonian clades emerged during the mid-1970s and slowly spread during the next 30 years. Little or no geographic structure was detected within these clades. One of the major driving forces of the epidemic was likely the high accessibility between locations in Southern Cameroon contributing to the mobility of the population. The remaining Cameroonian sequences and the new strains isolated from Italian patients were interspersed mainly within West and Central African sequences in the tree, indicating a continuous exchange of CRF02_AG viral strains between Cameroon and other African countries, as well as multiple independent introductions in the Italian population. The evaluation of the spread of CRF02_AG may provide significant insight about the future dynamics of the Italian and European epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazle Mendonca Collaço Véras
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Pós-Graduação em Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Maria Mercedes Santoro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Rebecca R. Gray
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Andrew J. Tatem
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | | | | | - Vittorio Colizzi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- International Chantal Biya Reference Centre, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Desiré Takou
- International Chantal Biya Reference Centre, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Judith Torimiro
- International Chantal Biya Reference Centre, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Gianluca Russo
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta D'Arrigo
- Monitoring Unit of Antiretroviral Therapies, INMI, Lazzaro Spallanzani, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo-Federico Perno
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Monitoring Unit of Antiretroviral Therapies, INMI, Lazzaro Spallanzani, Rome, Italy
| | - Maureen M. Goodenow
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Marco Salemi
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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15
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Leung RKK, Fong FNY, Au TCC, Lau IF, Chan PKS, Zhang C, Ip PK, Lam C, Lee SS, Tsui SKW. An unusual cluster of HIV-1 B/F recombinants in an Asian population. Int J Infect Dis 2011; 14 Suppl 3:e294-8. [PMID: 20430662 PMCID: PMC7110541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2010.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Revised: 11/25/2009] [Accepted: 01/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the detection of multiple HIV strains in injection drug users (IDU) in Macao, which appear to be derived from subtypes F, G, and CRF12_BF. A total of 14 HIV-infected IDU samples were collected and examined. Direct sequencing was performed to obtain the gag, pol, and env fragments. The subtypes of individual viral sequences were determined using the REGA subtyping tool. The concatenated sequences were aligned with reference sequences retrieved from the Los Alamos National Laboratory HIV database. We found 11 unusual cases in Macao, which showed characteristics of CRF12_BF (n = 2) and CRF14_BG (n = 8), and one that could not be classified into an existing subtype/CRF, along with three cases of CRF01_AE. Interestingly, the sequences derived from subtypes BG and BF recombinants have not been previously reported in any other Asian cities. Another subtype, CRF14_BG, has also been introduced into Macao among the IDUs. In conclusion, human activity, including travel over long distances and injection drug usage have fueled the spread of HIV and have provided a platform for recombination, which may otherwise have taken years to happen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross K K Leung
- Hong Kong Bioinformatics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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16
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De Paschale M, Cagnin D, Cerulli T, Mena M, Magnani C, Perini P, Re T, Villa M, Viganò P, Maltempo C, Manco MT, Agrappi C, Mirri P, Gatti A, Rescaldani C, Clerici P. Epidemiology of HIV-1 subtypes in an urban area of northern Italy. Clin Microbiol Infect 2010; 17:935-40. [PMID: 20874813 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2010.03382.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The distribution of the different subtypes of HIV varies from one region of the world to another. Subtype B is predominant in Europe and the USA, but there has been a gradual increase in non-B subtypes as a result of migration from regions where they are endemic, and this may have important implications for the control of HIV-1. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HIV-1 subtypes in an urban area of northern Italy in the period 1997-2008. Forty-nine (12.2%; 95% CI, 9.00-15.40) of 401 patients investigated carried a non-B subtype, the prevalence of which was 7.7% (95% CI, 4.96-10.44) among native Italians and 55.3% (95% CI, 39.49-71.11) among non-Italians, 1.6% (95% CI, 0.00-3.81) among ex-intravenous drug addicts, 7.6% (95% CI, 1.21-13.99) among homosexual/bisexual men and 20.5% (95% CI, 14.83-26.17) among heterosexuals, 6.8% (95% CI, 3.37-10.23) among Italians infected as a result of sexual contacts in Italy, and 55.0% (95% CI, 33.20-76.80) among Italians infected abroad or by foreign partners. Overall prevalence increased from 2.9% (95% CI, 0.00-6.11) before 1993 to 23.0% (95% CI, 16.31-29.69) in the period 2001-2008. The results demonstrate that there has been an increase in non-B subtypes (especially sexually transmitted infections), particularly among patients infected abroad or by foreign partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- M De Paschale
- Microbiology Unit, Hospital of Legnano, Milan, Italy.
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17
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Lai A, Riva C, Marconi A, Balestrieri M, Razzolini F, Meini G, Vicenti I, Rosi A, Saladini F, Caramma I, Franzetti M, Rossini V, Galli A, Galli M, Violin M, Zazzi M, Balotta C. Changing patterns in HIV-1 non-B clade prevalence and diversity in Italy over three decades. HIV Med 2010; 11:593-602. [PMID: 20408891 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2010.00832.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-1 non-B subtypes have recently entered Western Europe following immigration from other regions. The distribution of non-B clades and their association with demographic factors, over the entire course of the HIV-1 epidemic, have not been fully investigated in Italy. METHODS We carried out a phylogenetic analysis of HIV-1 pol sequences derived from 3670 patients followed at 50 Italian clinical centres over nearly three decades. RESULTS Overall, 417 patients (11.4%) carried non-B subtypes. The prevalence of non-B strains increased from 2.6% in 1980-1992 to 18.9% in 1993-2008 (P<0.0001) in a subset of 2479 subjects with a known year of diagnosis. A multivariate analysis on a subset of 1364 patients for whom relevant demographic data were available indicated that African ethnicity, heterosexual route of infection and year of diagnosis were independently associated with non-B HIV-1 infection (P ≤ 0.0001). All pure subtypes, except for clade K, and seven circulating recombinant forms were detected, accounting for 56.6 and 34.1% of the non-B infections, respectively. The F1 subtype was the most prevalent non-B clade among Europeans and was acquired heterosexually in half of this patient population. Unique recombinant forms accounted for 9.4% of the non-B sequences and showed a B/F1 recombination pattern in one-third of cases. CONCLUSIONS The circulation of non-B clades has significantly increased in Italy in association with demographic changes. Spread of the F1 subtype and B/F recombinants appears to predominate, which may result in a redistribution of the relative proportions of the different strains, and this could lead to overlapping epidemics. Thus, the HIV-1 landscape in Italy may in future be distinct from that of the rest of Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lai
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, L Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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18
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Easterbrook PJ, Smith M, Mullen J, O'Shea S, Chrystie I, de Ruiter A, Tatt ID, Geretti AM, Zuckerman M. Impact of HIV-1 viral subtype on disease progression and response to antiretroviral therapy. J Int AIDS Soc 2010; 13:4. [PMID: 20205896 PMCID: PMC2827379 DOI: 10.1186/1758-2652-13-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our intention was to compare the rate of immunological progression prior to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the virological response to ART in patients infected with subtype B and four non-B HIV-1 subtypes (A, C, D and the circulating recombinant form, CRF02-AG) in an ethnically diverse population of HIV-1-infected patients in south London. METHODS A random sample of 861 HIV-1-infected patients attending HIV clinics at King's and St Thomas' hospitals' were subtyped using an in-house enzyme-linked immunoassay and env sequencing. Subtypes were compared on the rate of CD4 cell decline using a multi-level random effects model. Virological response to ART was compared using the time to virological suppression (< 400 copies/ml) and rate of virological rebound (> 400 copies/ml) following initial suppression. RESULTS Complete subtype and epidemiological data were available for 679 patients, of whom 357 (52.6%) were white and 230 (33.9%) were black African. Subtype B (n = 394) accounted for the majority of infections, followed by subtypes C (n = 125), A (n = 84), D (n = 51) and CRF02-AG (n = 25). There were no significant differences in rate of CD4 cell decline, initial response to highly active antiretroviral therapy and subsequent rate of virological rebound for subtypes B, A, C and CRF02-AG. However, a statistically significant four-fold faster rate of CD4 decline (after adjustment for gender, ethnicity and baseline CD4 count) was observed for subtype D. In addition, subtype D infections showed a higher rate of virological rebound at six months (70%) compared with subtypes B (45%, p = 0.02), A (35%, p = 0.004) and C (34%, p = 0.01) CONCLUSIONS This is the first study from an industrialized country to show a faster CD4 cell decline and higher rate of subsequent virological failure with subtype D infection. Further studies are needed to identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for the greater virulence of subtype D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa J Easterbrook
- Department of HIV/GU Medicine, King's College London School of Medicine at Guy's, King's College and St Thomas' hospitals, Weston Education Centre, 10 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - Mel Smith
- Health Protection Agency London, London South Specialist Virology Centre, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Jane Mullen
- Department of Virology and HIV/GU Medicine, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Siobhan O'Shea
- Department of Virology and HIV/GU Medicine, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Ian Chrystie
- Department of Virology and HIV/GU Medicine, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Annemiek de Ruiter
- Department of Virology and HIV/GU Medicine, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Iain D Tatt
- Virus Reference Department, Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5HT, UK
- Pharmaceuticals Division, Hofffman-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Maria Geretti
- Department of Virology, Royal Free Hospital and Royal Free and University College Medical School, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Mark Zuckerman
- Health Protection Agency London, London South Specialist Virology Centre, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9RS, UK
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19
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Bruselles A, Rozera G, Bartolini B, Prosperi M, Del Nonno F, Narciso P, Capobianchi MR, Abbate I. Use of massive parallel pyrosequencing for near full-length characterization of a unique HIV Type 1 BF recombinant associated with a fatal primary infection. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2009; 25:937-42. [PMID: 19751146 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2009.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Near full length genome characterization of a BF recombinant from a patient who died from multiorgan failure during HIV-1 seroconversion is reported. Massive parallel pyrosequencing was used with the shotgun approach. Intrahost genetic variability along the whole genome was calculated and coreceptor usage of viral quasispecies was predicted. A consensus sequence was established to perform subtype assignment, phylogenetic analysis, and recombination tests. The sequence clustered with two recently described BF unique recombinant forms from Brazil, consistent with the recombination pattern, yielding breakpoints located at the same positions, with the exception of the second env breakpoint. The actual prevalence of recombinant forms is probably underestimated if partial genomic regions are considered. Here the first full length BF recombinant from Italy is described, together with an evaluation of quasispecies heterogeneity. Our data provide evidence that next generation sequencing may provide a major contribution to HIV-1 molecular epidemiology and to the comprehension of intrapatient heterogeneity.
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20
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Madeddu G, Rezza G, Mura MS. Trends in the European HIV/AIDS epidemic: a perspective from Italy. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2009; 7:25-36. [PMID: 19622055 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.7.1.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The HIV/AIDS epidemic represents one of the major public-health challenges in present days. Despite the relevant improvement in the prognosis of HIV disease following the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), numerous new challenges are progressively emerging as patient characteristics evolve. In this article, we give an insight into more actual topics in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Italy and Europe, including recent epidemiological trends, emerging drug resistance and non-B-subtype circulation, the lights and shadows of HAART and the potential of HARRT to reduce sexual transmission of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giordano Madeddu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Sassari, Via De Nicola 1, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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21
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Avi R, Huik K, Sadam M, Karki T, Krispin T, Ainsalu K, Paap P, Schmidt J, Nikitina N, Lutsar I. Absence of genotypic drug resistance and presence of several naturally occurring polymorphisms of human immunodeficiency virus-1 CRF06_cpx in treatment-naive patients in Estonia. J Med Virol 2009; 81:953-8. [PMID: 19382254 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
All non-B HIV-1 subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) are characterized by several polymorphisms in protease (PR) region. In addition, in recent years the increasing use of antiretroviral treatment (ART) has rapidly raised the spread of transmitted drug resistance. We aimed to determine the presence of naturally occurring polymorphisms and transmitted drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in ART naïve HIV-1-positive subjects in Estonia. A total of 115 drug-naive HIV-1-infected subjects (mean age 27 years; 70% male; 65% infected via intravenous drug use and 34% by heterosexual contact) were enrolled. Viral genomic RNA from plasma was directly sequenced in PR, revertase (RT), and envelope (env) regions. Phylogenetic analysis of RT and env regions revealed that 89% and 3% of sequenced viruses belonged to CRF06_cpx and subtype A1, respectively, and 6% were described as unique recombinants (signed A1-06) between CRF06_cpx and subtype A1 viruses. No primary DRMs were found in PR or RT regions indicating the absence of transmitted drug resistance. The most common polymorphisms in the PR region were K14R, M36I, H69K, and L89M seen in 96%, 100%, 99%, and 100%, respectively. The clinical relevance of these polymorphisms in terms of success of ART has to be monitored in future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radko Avi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
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22
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Monno L, Scudeller L, Brindicci G, Saracino A, Punzi G, Chirianni A, Lagioia A, Ladisa N, Lo Caputo S, Angarano G. Genotypic analysis of the protease and reverse transcriptase of non-B HIV type 1 clinical isolates from naïve and treated subjects. Antiviral Res 2009; 83:118-26. [PMID: 19549585 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2009.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2008] [Revised: 03/25/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
One hundred and ninety-two pol sequences of drug-naïve and drug-experienced subjects infected with non-B HIV-1 subtypes were analyzed to identify treatment-related amino acid changes which might be relevant for drug-resistance and possibly not included in the accepted mutation list for the B subtype. The correspondence analysis identified non-B-specific and subtype-specific polymorphisms which should not be mistaken for mutations. Multiple chi(2) were performed to detect the differences between naïve vs treated subjects and between different subtypes. To verify the contribution of each single mutation to the resistance levels as predicted by the Virtual Phenotype-LM, simple univariate linear regression was used with fold resistance as a dependent variable and individual mutations as predictors. Commonly accepted protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) positions along with mutants at RT positions 118 and 90 were significantly associated with treatment. Two unusual PR (K14R and I66F) and five RT positions (E28K, S68G, H221Y, L228R/H and P294A) were also associated with treatment (p<0.01). Only minimal variations were observed with respect to commonly accepted amino acid changes. All amino acid changes correlated with treatment influenced the resistance levels to each single drug. Our findings demonstrate that there are no substantial differences regarding known resistance-associated mutations and the newly emergent substitutions between non-B and B subtype strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Monno
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
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23
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Ramirez-Piedad MK, Lepej SZ, Yerly S, Begovac J. High prevalence of non-B HIV-1 subtypes in seamen and their sexual partners in Croatia. J Med Virol 2009; 81:573-7. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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24
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Giuliani M, Montieri S, Palamara G, Latini A, Alteri C, Perno C, Santoro M, Rezza G, Ciccozzi M. Non-B HIV type 1 subtypes among men who have sex with men in Rome, Italy. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2009; 25:157-64. [PMID: 19108689 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2008.0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An increase in the circulation of HIV-1 non-B subtypes has been observed in recent years in Western European countries. Due to the lack of data on the circulation of HIV-1 non-B subtypes among European HIV-1-infected men who have sex with men (MSM), a biomolecular study was conducted in Rome, Italy. HIV-1 partial pol gene sequences from 111 MSM individuals (76 drug naive and 35 drug experienced) were collected during the years 2004-2006. All these sequences were analyzed using the REGA HIV-1 Subtyping Tool, and aligned using CLUSTAL X followed by manual editing using the Bioedit software. A BLAST search for non-B subtype sequences was also performed. Twenty-six (23.4%) MSM were not Italians. Eight individuals (7.2%) were diagnosed as HIV infected before 1991, 20 (18.0%) between 1991 and 1999, and 83 (74.8%) from 2000 to 2006. Fifteen (15/111, 13.5%) individuals were infected with the non-B subtype. The percentage of infection with HIV-1 non-B subtypes was 8.2% (7/85) among Italian MSM and 30.8% (8/26) among the non-Italians (OR = 4.95 95% IC: 1.40-17.87). Individuals infected with the non-B subtype were significantly younger than those infected with the HIV-1 B subtype (28 years vs. 34 years, p = 0.003). The CRFs were more prevalent (8.1%) than pure subtypes (5.4%), which were distributed as follows: subtype C (2.6%), subtype A1 (1.7%), and subtype F1 (0.9%). Major mutations conferring resistance to antiretroviral drugs (ARV) were not found among HIV-1 non-B subtype drug-naive patients but were found in two ARV-experienced individuals. The data show that viral diversity is likely increasing in a population group that had been previously characterized by the circulation of HIV-1 subtype B.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Giuliani
- Reparto Epidemiologia, Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie e Immunomediate (MIPI), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- S. C. Dermatologia Infettiva, Istituto Dermatovenereologico S. Gallicano (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - S. Montieri
- Reparto Epidemiologia, Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie e Immunomediate (MIPI), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Palamara
- S. C. Dermatologia Infettiva, Istituto Dermatovenereologico S. Gallicano (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - A. Latini
- S. C. Dermatologia Infettiva, Istituto Dermatovenereologico S. Gallicano (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - C. Alteri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma, Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - C.F. Perno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma, Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - M.M. Santoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma, Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Rezza
- Reparto Epidemiologia, Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie e Immunomediate (MIPI), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Ciccozzi
- Reparto Epidemiologia, Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie e Immunomediate (MIPI), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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25
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Longo B, Novati S, Montieri S, Pontali E, Taglia F, Leo G, Babudieri S, Starnini G, Monarca R, Suligoi B, Rezza G, Ciccozzi M. HIV-1 diversity among inmates of Italian prisons. J Med Virol 2008; 80:1689-94. [PMID: 18712824 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In Italy, the prevalence of non-B HIV-1 subtypes ranges reportedly from 5.4% to 12.6%, yet there are no data on their circulation in prisons, where the prevalence of HIV infection is high. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the circulation of non-B subtypes and to characterize their determinants in five Italian prisons. To this end an aliquot of samples of blood was taken in the period 2001-2006 from all 262 HIV-positive inmates in whom antiretroviral treatment had failed. Complete HIV-1 PR and RT regions were sequenced for all samples and subjected to phylogenetic analysis; 250 (95.4%) sequences clustered with subtype B. The non-B subtype was found in 4% of Italian prison inmates and 16.7% of non-Italian prison inmates; the overall percentage increased from 1.8% for inmates infected in 1982-1990 to 4.4% in 1991-1999 and 21.9% in 2000-2006. Factors significantly associated with non-B subtypes were an exposure to other than injecting drug use and a first positive HIV test in 2000-2006. Non-B subtypes were distributed within five monophyletic clades. In all cases but one, it was possible to correlate the history of HIV-exposure to the origin of the clade, with high bootstrap values. In conclusion, although the sample may not be representative of the prison inmate population in Italy, the data suggest strongly that the circulation of non-B subtypes has apparently increased. Non-B subtypes were found to have been associated with heterosexual contact and time of the first HIV-positive test. Knowledge of the different subtypes circulating in prisons may be useful for tracking the epidemiology of HIV infection and for choosing antiretroviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Longo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Buonaguro L, Petrizzo A, Tagliamonte M, Vitone F, Re MC, Pilotti E, Casoli C, Sbreglia C, Perrella O, Tornesello ML, Buonaguro FM. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of HIV-1 variants circulating in Italy. Infect Agent Cancer 2008; 3:13. [PMID: 18847472 PMCID: PMC2586622 DOI: 10.1186/1750-9378-3-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2008] [Accepted: 10/10/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The continuous identification of HIV-1 non-B subtypes and recombinant forms in Italy indicates the need of constant molecular epidemiology survey of genetic forms circulating and transmitted in the resident population. Methods The distribution of HIV-1 subtypes has been evaluated in 25 seropositive individuals residing in Italy, most of whom were infected through a sexual route during the 1995–2005 period. Each sample has been characterized by detailed molecular and phylogenetic analyses. Results 18 of the 25 samples were positive at HIV-1 PCR amplification. Three samples showed a nucleotide divergence compatible with a non-B subtype classification. The phylogenetic analysis, performed on both HIV-1 env and gag regions, confirms the molecular sub-typing prediction, given that 1 sample falls into the C subtype and 2 into the G subtype. The B subtype isolates show high levels of intra-subtype nucleotide divergence, compatible with a long-lasting epidemic and a progressive HIV-1 molecular diversification. Conclusion The Italian HIV-1 epidemic is still mostly attributable to the B subtype, regardless the transmission route, which shows an increasing nucleotide heterogeneity. Heterosexual transmission and the interracial blending, however, are slowly introducing novel HIV-1 subtypes. Therefore, a molecular monitoring is needed to follow the constant evolution of the HIV-1 epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Buonaguro
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Viral Oncogenesis & AIDS Reference Center, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione Giovanni Pascale, Naples, Italy.
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Holguín A, Lospitao E, López M, de Arellano ER, Pena MJ, del Romero J, Martín C, Soriano V. Genetic characterization of complex inter-recombinant HIV-1 strains circulating in Spain and reliability of distinct rapid subtyping tools. J Med Virol 2008; 80:383-91. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Tramuto F, Bonura F, Perna AM, Mancuso S, Firenze A, Romano N, Vitale F. Genetic diversity of HIV-1 non-B strains in Sicily: evidence of intersubtype recombinants by sequence analysis of gag, pol, and env genes. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2007; 23:1131-8. [PMID: 17919109 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2007.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 strains in Sicily (Italy) was phylogenetically investigated by the analysis of HIV-1 gag, pol, and env gene sequences from 11 HIV-1 non-B strains from 408 HIV-1-seropositive patients observed from September 2001 to August 2006. Sequences suggestive of recombination were further investigated by bootscanning analysis of various fragments. Overall, we identified several second-generation recombinant (SGRs) strains, which contained genetic material of CRF02_AG in at least one gene. Notably, three individuals were found to be infected with subsubtype A3, and one of them showed genetic recombination with subsubtype A4. The current study emphasizes the genetic analysis of gag, pol, and env genes as a powerful tool to trace the spread of complex HIV-1 recombinant forms, and highlight the genetic diversity of HIV-1 non-B strains in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Tramuto
- Centro di Riferimento Regionale per la Diagnosi Sierologica e Virologica dell'AIDS, Dipartimento di Igiene e Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Filippa Bonura
- Centro di Riferimento Regionale per la Diagnosi Sierologica e Virologica dell'AIDS, Dipartimento di Igiene e Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Perna
- Centro di Riferimento Regionale per la Diagnosi Sierologica e Virologica dell'AIDS, Dipartimento di Igiene e Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatrice Mancuso
- Servizio di Riferimento Regionale per la Diagnosi di AIDS e Sindromi Correlate, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alberto Firenze
- Centro di Riferimento Regionale per la Diagnosi Sierologica e Virologica dell'AIDS, Dipartimento di Igiene e Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nino Romano
- Centro di Riferimento Regionale per la Diagnosi Sierologica e Virologica dell'AIDS, Dipartimento di Igiene e Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Vitale
- Centro di Riferimento Regionale per la Diagnosi Sierologica e Virologica dell'AIDS, Dipartimento di Igiene e Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Brindicci G, Punzi G, Lagioia A, Lo Caputo S, Ladisa N, Di Nicuolo G, Saracino A, Angarano G, Monno L. Difficulties in classifying a/g recombinants: methodological problems or genetic variability? AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2007; 23:840-6. [PMID: 17604549 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2006.0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty pol gene plasma-derived sequences clustering with the circulating recombinant form (CRF) 02_AG (IbNG) (bootstrap 100%) were evaluated to analyze the genomic composition. Subtype assignment was also phylogenetically confirmed by C2-V3 region analysis for 18/21 sequences evaluated. Thereafter, we compared the genomic recombination of the CRF02_AG/IbNG prototype as predicted by bootscanning and Jumping HMMER software (jpHMM) to that of our strains. With these methods, 27% and 50%, respectively, of our clinical sequences demonstrated the same pol structure as the prototype CRF02_A/G-IbNG. However, in subtrees built for each segment predicted by jpHMM (with a bootstrap value of more than 75%), all fragments clustered with IbNG and were distinct from A and G clades. Overall, our sequences resulted in true members of CRF02_AG-IbNG, which, however, appeared to be a subtype phylogenetically separate from A or G, at least with regard to the pol gene.
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Ciccozzi M, Montieri S, Salemi M, De Oliveira T, Dorrucci M, Sinicco A, De Luca A, Giuliani M, Balotta C, Rezza G. An outbreak of HIV-1 subtype G among Italian injecting drug users. AIDS 2007; 21:1213-5. [PMID: 17502735 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e32813aee1a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We describe an outbreak of subtype G among injecting drug users (IDU) in northern Italy newly infected with HIV. We analysed pol gene sequences from samples of 139 individuals from different risk groups. Non-B subtypes were more frequently detected among IDU than in homosexual or heterosexual contacts. All G subtypes but one were found among IDU. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the outbreak was of monophyletic origin and was caused by HIV-1 strains similar to those from western Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ciccozzi
- Epidemiology Unit, Department of Infectious, Parasite and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Buonaguro L, Tagliamonte M, Tornesello ML, Buonaguro FM. Genetic and phylogenetic evolution of HIV-1 in a low subtype heterogeneity epidemic: the Italian example. Retrovirology 2007; 4:34. [PMID: 17517125 PMCID: PMC1892567 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-4-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2007] [Accepted: 05/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) is classified into genetic groups, subtypes and sub-subtypes which show a specific geographic distribution pattern. The HIV-1 epidemic in Italy, as in most of the Western Countries, has traditionally affected the Intra-venous drug user (IDU) and Homosexual (Homo) risk groups and has been sustained by the genetic B subtype. In the last years, however, the HIV-1 transmission rate among heterosexuals has dramatically increased, becoming the prevalent transmission route. In fact, while the traditional risk groups have high levels of knowledge and avoid high-risk practices, the heterosexuals do not sufficiently perceive the risk of HIV-1 infection. This misperception, linked to the growing number of immigrants from non-Western Countries, where non-B clades and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) are prevalent, is progressively introducing HIV-1 variants of non-B subtype in the Italian epidemic. This is in agreement with reports from other Western European Countries. In this context, the Italian HIV-1 epidemic is still characterized by low subtype heterogeneity and represents a paradigmatic example of the European situation. The continuous molecular evolution of the B subtype HIV-1 isolates, characteristic of a long-lasting epidemic, together with the introduction of new subtypes as well as recombinant forms may have significant implications for diagnostic, treatment, and vaccine development. The study and monitoring of the genetic evolution of the HIV-1 represent, therefore, an essential strategy for controlling the local as well as global HIV-1 epidemic and for developing efficient preventive and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Buonaguro
- Lab of Viral Oncogenesis and Immunotherapy & AIDS Refer. Center, Ist. Naz. Tumori "Fond. G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Tagliamonte
- Lab of Viral Oncogenesis and Immunotherapy & AIDS Refer. Center, Ist. Naz. Tumori "Fond. G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Lab of Viral Oncogenesis and Immunotherapy & AIDS Refer. Center, Ist. Naz. Tumori "Fond. G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Franco M Buonaguro
- Lab of Viral Oncogenesis and Immunotherapy & AIDS Refer. Center, Ist. Naz. Tumori "Fond. G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
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Babic DZ, Zelnikar M, Seme K, Vandamme AM, Snoeck J, Tomazic J, Vidmar L, Karner P, Poljak M. Prevalence of antiretroviral drug resistance mutations and HIV-1 non-B subtypes in newly diagnosed drug-naïve patients in Slovenia, 2000–2004. Virus Res 2006; 118:156-63. [PMID: 16417938 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2005.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2005] [Revised: 12/01/2005] [Accepted: 12/13/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In order to estimate the prevalence and patterns of antiretroviral drug resistance mutations in drug-naïve HIV-1 infected patients in Slovenia, and the prevalence of non-B subtypes, a retrospective study was conducted on a cohort, representing 87% of the total of newly diagnosed HIV-1 infected patients, in a 5 year period (2000-2004). Protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) sequences were determined in 77 newly diagnosed HIV-1 patients. Non-B subtypes were present in 18% of the population tested. Transmitted drug resistance was identified as in the CATCH study: the presence of primary PR and RT gene mutations according to the IAS-USA mutation list including the revertant mutations in codon 215 and excluding mutations on the RT positions 44 and 118. The estimated prevalence of transmitted resistance mutations was 3.9%. Namely, three out of 77 patients had mutations associated with resistance to NRTIs: one patient carried M184V in association with A62V, while a revertant mutation T215D was found in two patients. No transmitted drug resistance to NNRTIs or PIs was detected. However, to score the expected response to therapy using the REGA and the Stanford algorithms, we also took into account secondary PR mutations and additional RT mutations. Reduced response to some therapeutic options was predicted in five patients (6.5%). In conclusion, testing the vast majority of all newly diagnosed HIV-1 patients in the last 5 years in Slovenia uncovered a relatively high prevalence of non-B subtypes and a low prevalence of transmitted drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunja Z Babic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, Zaloska 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the worldwide disseminated causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is a member of the Lentivirus genus of Retroviridae family and is grouped in two types named HIV-1 and HIV-2. These viruses have a notable ability to mutate and adapt to the new conditions of human environment. A large incidence of errors at the transcriptional level results in changes on the genetic bases during the reproductive cycle. The elevated genomic variability of HIV has carried important implications for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention as well as epidemiologic investigations. The present review describes important definitions and geographical distribution of subtypes, circulating recombinant forms and other genomic variations of HIV. The present study aimed at leading students of Biomedical Sciences and public health laboratory staff guidance to general and specific knowledge about the genomic variability of the HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry I Z Requejo
- Seção de Imunologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 351, 01246-902 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review presents an update on the molecular epidemic patterns of HIV-1 infection and the effects of subtype-related genetic variability on transmission, disease progression, response to antiretroviral therapy and drug-resistance pathways. RECENT FINDINGS The molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 infection is complex and evolving. The emergence of new variants reflects HIV-1 prevalence, subtype epidemiology and risk-behaviour patterns in different geographical areas. Evidence indicates that certain subtypes may have a transmission advantage while others display higher replicative efficiency. The molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are being identified and include both virus- and host-related factors. Although drug susceptibility varies and clinical evidence remains limited, current antiretroviral regimens appear to have comparable efficacy in patients infected with B and non-B subtypes. Subtype-related variability influences resistance pathways. However, the major treatment-associated resistance mutations seen in subtype B also confer resistance in non-B subtypes and vice versa. SUMMARY Genetic differences among HIV-1 variants can influence the virus biological properties, susceptibility to existing and candidate antiretroviral drugs, and evolution of antiretroviral drug resistance. Further studies are required to define the impact of this variability on risk of transmission, disease outcomes, responses to antiretroviral therapy and resistance pathways. Meanwhile, plasma viral load and CD4 count remain the important predictors of disease outcome, regardless of the infecting subtype. Current antiretroviral regimens can be used reliably to treat patients with both B and non-B subtypes, and resistance interpretation algorithms provide adequate guidance. The limitations of current evidence should be acknowledged and instigate ongoing vigilance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Geretti
- Royal Free Hospital and Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK.
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Babic DZ, Poljak M, Seme K, Tomazic J, Vidmar L. Molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 subtypes based on analysis ofpol sequences in Slovenia, 1996–2005. J Med Virol 2006; 78:997-1002. [PMID: 16789023 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.20654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Various studies have demonstrated the increasing prevalence of non-B HIV-1 subtypes in Western Europe. In contrast, knowledge about the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in Central and Eastern Europe is limited. The objective of present study was to investigate the HIV-1 molecular diversity as well as time trends in HIV-1 subtype distribution in Slovenia. A retrospective molecular epidemiological survey was conducted on a cohort representing 88% (131/149) of all HIV-1 infected patients diagnosed between January 1996 and June 2005. The study revealed that subtype B is a predominant HIV-1 subtype in Slovenia (110/131; 84%), although a relatively high proportion (21/131; 16%) of non-B subtypes was found. Among them, a high proportion of recombinant (10/21; 48%) and different unclassified strains (8/21; 38%) were identified. Non-B subtype viruses were predominant among heterosexuals (19/21; 90%) and subtype B viruses among men who have sex with men (84/110; 76%). Importantly, 86% (18/21) of patients infected with non-B subtypes were of Slovenian nationality. In contrast to Western European countries, a significant increase (P = 0.015) in the proportion of men who have sex with men was observed recently among newly diagnosed HIV-1 infected patients in Slovenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunja Z Babic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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