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Wagner T, Zuckerman NS, Wax M, Shirazi R, Gozlan Y, Girshengorn S, Marom R, Mendelson E, Turner D, Mor O. HIV-1 Circulating Recombinant Forms (CRFs) and Unique Recombinant Forms (URFs) in Israel, 2010-2018. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091970. [PMID: 36146776 PMCID: PMC9502407 DOI: 10.3390/v14091970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring HIV-1 circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and unique recombinant forms (URFs) is important for disease surveillance. Recombination may affect prevention efforts and interfere with the diagnosis and treatment of HIV-1 infection. Here, we characterized the epidemiology of HIV-1 CRFs and URFs in Israel. Partial pol sequences from treatment naïve patients diagnosed in 2010−2018 were assessed using the recombinant identification program (RIP), the recombinant detection program (RDP5), and using the maximum-likelihood phylogenetic method, using 410 reference sequences obtained from the Los Alamos database. CRFs and URFs were identified in 11% (213/1940) of all sequenced cases. The median age at diagnosis was 38 (30−47) years, 61% originated from Israel, and 82% were male. The most common were CRF02_AG (30.5%), CRF01_AE (16.9%), and the more complex forms CRF01_AE/CRF02_AG/A3 (10.8%) and B/F1 (7%). A significant increase in their overall proportion was observed in recent years (8.1% in 2010−2012, 20.3% in 2016−2018, p < 0.001). This increase was most prominent in individuals carrying CRF02_AG (2.5% in 2010−2015, 9.8% in 2016−2018, p < 0.001). Men who have sex with men (MSM) was the most common risk group; however, those infected with the secondary recombinant CRF02_AG/A6 were mainly injecting drug users (IDUs). The most common resistance mutations were K103N (5/213, 2.3%) and E138A (18/213, 8.5%) in the reverse transcriptase. Only E138A was more frequent in the recombinants compared with the classic subtypes and was significantly associated with a specific secondary CRF, CRF02_AG/A4. We concluded that CRFs and URFs were mainly detected in Israeli-born MSM and that an increase in the overall proportion of such HIV-1 sequences could be observed in more recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tali Wagner
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel
- Correspondence: (T.W.); (O.M.); Tel.: +972-3-5302458 (T.W. & O.M.)
| | - Neta S. Zuckerman
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel
| | - Marina Wax
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel
| | - Rachel Shirazi
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel
| | - Yael Gozlan
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel
| | - Shirley Girshengorn
- Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Crusaid Kobler AIDS Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
| | - Rotem Marom
- Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Crusaid Kobler AIDS Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
| | - Ella Mendelson
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel
| | - Dan Turner
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Crusaid Kobler AIDS Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
| | - Orna Mor
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel
- Correspondence: (T.W.); (O.M.); Tel.: +972-3-5302458 (T.W. & O.M.)
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Gil H, Delgado E, Benito S, Georgalis L, Montero V, Sánchez M, Cañada-García JE, García-Bodas E, Díaz A, Thomson MM. Transmission Clusters, Predominantly Associated With Men Who Have Sex With Men, Play a Main Role in the Propagation of HIV-1 in Northern Spain (2013–2018). Front Microbiol 2022; 13:782609. [PMID: 35432279 PMCID: PMC9009226 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.782609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses of HIV-1-infected individuals whose transmission is related group phylogenetically in transmission clusters (TCs). The study of the phylogenetic relations of these viruses and the factors associated with these individuals is essential to analyze the HIV-1 epidemic. In this study, we examine the role of TCs in the epidemiology of HIV-1 infection in Galicia and the Basque County, two regions of northern Spain. A total of 1,158 HIV-1-infected patients from both regions with new diagnoses (NDs) in 2013–2018 were included in the study. Partial HIV-1 pol sequences were analyzed phylogenetically by approximately maximum-likelihood with FastTree 2. In this analysis, 10,687 additional sequences from samples from HIV-1-infected individuals collected in Spain in 1999–2019 were also included to assign TC membership and to determine TCs’ sizes. TCs were defined as those which included viruses from ≥4 individuals, at least 50% of them Spaniards, and with ≥0.95 Shimodaira-Hasegawa-like node support in the phylogenetic tree. Factors associated to TCs were evaluated using odds ratios (OR) and their 95% CI. Fifty-one percent of NDs grouped in 162 TCs. Male patients (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.5–4.7) and men having sex with men (MSM; OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4–3.2) had higher odds of belonging to a TC compared to female and heterosexual patients, respectively. Individuals from Latin America (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2–0.4), North Africa (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2–1.0), and especially Sub-Saharan Africa (OR: 0.02; 95% CI: 0.003–0.2) were inversely associated to belonging to TCs compared to native Spaniards. Our results show that TCs are important components of the HIV-1 epidemics in the two Spanish regions studied, where transmission between MSM is predominant. The majority of migrants were infected with viruses not belonging to TCs that expand in Spain. Molecular epidemiology is essential to identify local peculiarities of HIV-1 propagation. The early detection of TCs and prevention of their expansion, implementing effective control measures, could reduce HIV-1 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horacio Gil
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Michael M. Thomson, ; Horacio Gil,
| | - Elena Delgado
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Benito
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leonidas Georgalis
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanessa Montero
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Sánchez
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier E. Cañada-García
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena García-Bodas
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Asunción Díaz
- HIV Surveillance and Behavioral Monitoring Unit, Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael M. Thomson
- HIV Biology and Variability Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Michael M. Thomson, ; Horacio Gil,
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Wagner T, Zuckerman NS, Halperin T, Chemtob D, Levy I, Elbirt D, Shachar E, Olshtain-Pops K, Elinav H, Chowers M, Itsomin V, Riesenberg K, Wax M, Shirazi R, Gozlan Y, Matus N, Girshengorn S, Marom R, Mendelson E, Turner D, Mor O. Epidemiology and Transmitted HIV-1 Drug Resistance among Treatment-Naïve Individuals in Israel, 2010-2018. Viruses 2021; 14:v14010071. [PMID: 35062274 PMCID: PMC8779053 DOI: 10.3390/v14010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the low prevalence of HIV-1 in Israel, continuous waves of immigration may have impacted the local epidemic. We characterized all people diagnosed with HIV-1 in Israel in 2010–2018. The demographics and clinical data of all individuals (n = 3639) newly diagnosed with HIV-1 were retrieved. Subtypes, transmitted drug-resistance mutations (TDRM), and phylogenetic relations, were determined in >50% of them. In 39.1%, HIV-1 transmission was through heterosexual contact; 34.3% were men who have sex with men (MSM); and 10.4% were people who inject drugs. Many (>65%) were immigrants. Israeli-born individuals were mostly (78.3%) MSM, whereas only 9% of those born in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EEU/CA), were MSM. The proportion of individuals from SSA decreased through the years 2010–2018 (21.1% in 2010–2012; 16.8% in 2016–2018) whereas those from EEU/CA increased significantly (21% in 2010–2012; 27.8% in 2016–2018, p < 0.001). TDRM were identified in 12.1%; 3.7, 3.3 and 6.6% had protease inhibitors (PI), nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) TDRM, respectively, with the overall proportion remaining stable in the studied years. None had integrase TDRM. Subtype B was present in 43.9%, subtype A in 25.2% (A6 in 22.8 and A1 in 2.4%) and subtype C in 17.1% of individuals. Most MSM had subtype B. Subtype C carriers formed small clusters (with one unexpected MSM cluster), A1 formed a cluster mainly of locally-born patients with NNRTI mutations, and A6 formed a looser cluster of individuals mainly from EEU. Israelis, <50 years old, carrying A1, had the highest risk for having TDRM. In conclusion, an increase in immigrants from EEU/CA and a decrease in those from SSA characterized the HIV-1 epidemic in 2010–2018. Baseline resistance testing should still be recommended to identify TDRM, and improve surveillance and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tali Wagner
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (T.W.); (I.L.); (M.C.); (E.M.); (D.T.)
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, National HIV-1 and Viral Hepatitis Reference Laboratory, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel; (N.S.Z.); (M.W.); (R.S.); (Y.G.)
| | - Neta S. Zuckerman
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, National HIV-1 and Viral Hepatitis Reference Laboratory, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel; (N.S.Z.); (M.W.); (R.S.); (Y.G.)
| | - Tami Halperin
- Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Crusaid Kobler AIDS Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; (T.H.); (N.M.); (S.G.); (R.M.)
| | - Daniel Chemtob
- Faculty of Medicine, Braun School of Public Health & Community Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel; (D.C.); (D.E.); (H.E.)
- Tuberculosis and AIDS Department, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel
| | - Itzchak Levy
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (T.W.); (I.L.); (M.C.); (E.M.); (D.T.)
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Infectious Disease Unit, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel
| | - Daniel Elbirt
- Faculty of Medicine, Braun School of Public Health & Community Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel; (D.C.); (D.E.); (H.E.)
- Immunology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Eduardo Shachar
- Immunology Unit, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel;
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Technology, Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | | | - Hila Elinav
- Faculty of Medicine, Braun School of Public Health & Community Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel; (D.C.); (D.E.); (H.E.)
- Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel;
| | - Michal Chowers
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (T.W.); (I.L.); (M.C.); (E.M.); (D.T.)
- Infectious Diseases, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
| | | | - Klaris Riesenberg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Goldman Medical School, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- Soroka Medical Center, Infectious Disease Institute, Beer-Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Marina Wax
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, National HIV-1 and Viral Hepatitis Reference Laboratory, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel; (N.S.Z.); (M.W.); (R.S.); (Y.G.)
| | - Rachel Shirazi
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, National HIV-1 and Viral Hepatitis Reference Laboratory, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel; (N.S.Z.); (M.W.); (R.S.); (Y.G.)
| | - Yael Gozlan
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, National HIV-1 and Viral Hepatitis Reference Laboratory, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel; (N.S.Z.); (M.W.); (R.S.); (Y.G.)
| | - Natasha Matus
- Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Crusaid Kobler AIDS Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; (T.H.); (N.M.); (S.G.); (R.M.)
| | - Shirley Girshengorn
- Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Crusaid Kobler AIDS Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; (T.H.); (N.M.); (S.G.); (R.M.)
| | - Rotem Marom
- Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Crusaid Kobler AIDS Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; (T.H.); (N.M.); (S.G.); (R.M.)
| | - Ella Mendelson
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (T.W.); (I.L.); (M.C.); (E.M.); (D.T.)
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, National HIV-1 and Viral Hepatitis Reference Laboratory, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel; (N.S.Z.); (M.W.); (R.S.); (Y.G.)
| | - Dan Turner
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (T.W.); (I.L.); (M.C.); (E.M.); (D.T.)
- Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Crusaid Kobler AIDS Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; (T.H.); (N.M.); (S.G.); (R.M.)
| | - Orna Mor
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (T.W.); (I.L.); (M.C.); (E.M.); (D.T.)
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, National HIV-1 and Viral Hepatitis Reference Laboratory, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel; (N.S.Z.); (M.W.); (R.S.); (Y.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-3-530-2458
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Treister-Goltzman Y, Alhoashle A, Peleg R. Infectious diseases among Ethiopian immigrants in Israel: a descriptive literature review. Pathog Glob Health 2021; 115:224-234. [PMID: 33624575 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.1890888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The mass immigration of Ethiopian Jews to Israel began in the 1980s. For most of these immigrants this was a time of sharp transition from a village life with very basic living conditions, in most cases without a regular supply of water, electricity, or healthcare services, to a modern Western urban society. The aim of this review was to search the medical literature on the characteristics of infectious diseases that are typical in Ethiopian immigrants (EI), using relevant keywords. There has been success in coping with diseases among EI, that are rare although recognized in Israel, in terms of screening and early identification. TB was common in Ethiopia over all the years of immigration to Israel. In contrast, HIV appeared in EI from 1999 when they had long stayovers in transition camps in Gondar and Addis Ababa where there was a high risk of infection with sexually transmitted diseases. There were often delays in diagnosing 'exotic' diseases that are endemic in Africa, but not well known in Israel, such as Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, Strongyloidiasis, and Bartonella endocarditis, which cause severe morbidity and mortality among EI. We describe the effect on general morbidity in Israel, and how the healthcare services coped with these diseases, including obstacles, and failures and successes. In light of the ongoing immigration of African refugees to the United States and Europe, the Israeli experience can be of value to healthcare policy makers in developing strategies for the effective management by medical staff treating these immigrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Treister-Goltzman
- Department of Family Medicine and Siaal Research Center for Family Practice and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Roni Peleg
- Department of Family Medicine and Siaal Research Center for Family Practice and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Vannappagari V, Ragone L, Henegar C, van Wyk J, Brown D, Demarest J, Quercia R, St Clair M, Underwood M, Gatell JM, de Ruiter A, Aboud M. Prevalence of pretreatment and acquired HIV-1 mutations associated with resistance to lamivudine or rilpivirine: a systematic review. Antivir Ther 2020; 24:393-404. [PMID: 31503008 DOI: 10.3851/imp3331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pretreatment and acquired drug resistance mutations (DRMs) can limit antiretroviral therapy effectiveness. METHODS We review prevalence of DRMs with resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), focusing on lamivudine and rilpivirine, from 127 articles with >100,000 individuals with HIV-1 infection. RESULTS Estimated global prevalence of pretreatment resistance to any NRTI was 4% and to any NNRTI was 6%. Most prevalent DRMs resistant to lamivudine or rilpivirine were at positions E138 (4%), V179 (1%) and M184 (1%). Estimated acquired DRM prevalence was 58% for any NRTIs and 67% for any NNRTIs, most frequently at positions M184 (58%) and Y181 (21%). CONCLUSIONS This review suggests low risk of lamivudine- or rilpivirine-resistant mutations in treatment-naive, HIV-1-infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leigh Ragone
- ViiV Healthcare, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jose M Gatell
- Hospital Clinic/IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,ViiV Healthcare, Barcelona, Spain
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Molecular Epidemiology of the HIV-1 Subtype B Sub-Epidemic in Bulgaria. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040441. [PMID: 32295123 PMCID: PMC7232140 DOI: 10.3390/v12040441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 subtype B is the predominant strain in Bulgaria, yet little is known about the molecular epidemiology of these infections, including its origin and transmissibility. We used a phylodynamics approach by combining and analyzing 663 HIV-1 polymerase (pol) sequences collected from persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS between 1988-2018 and associated epidemiologic data to better understand this sub-epidemic in Bulgaria. Using network analyses at a 1.5% genetic distance threshold (d) we found several large phylogenetic clusters composed mostly of men who have sex with men (MSM) and male heterosexuals (HET). However, at d = 0.5%, used to identify more recent transmission, the largest clusters dissociated to become smaller in size. The majority of female HET and persons with other transmission risks were singletons or pairs in the network. Phylogenetic analysis of the Bulgarian pol sequences with publicly available global sequences showed that subtype B was likely introduced into Bulgaria from multiple countries, including Israel and several European countries. Our findings indicate that subtype B was introduced into Bulgaria multiple times since 1988 and then infections rapidly spread among MSM and non-disclosed MSM. These high-risk behaviors continue to spread subtype B infection in Bulgaria as evidenced by the large clusters at d = 0.5%. Relatively low levels of antiretroviral drug resistance were observed in our study. Prevention strategies should continue to include increased testing and linkage to care and treatment, as well as expanded outreach to the MSM communities.
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Soffer M. HIV/AIDS-related beliefs among Israeli Arab-Palestinian women. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2020; 28:216-224. [PMID: 31515884 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Studies show that women are more vulnerable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission than men because of biological and sociocultural risk factors. Israeli Arab-Palestinians are the largest ethnic minority group in Israel. Unofficial data suggest that merely one percent of the tests conducted in Israel to diagnose HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are conducted by this population and that Israeli Arab-Palestinians are typically diagnosed late. Arab communities in Israel were found to be predominately patriarchal, characterised by conservative gender roles and structures, and the policing of overt sexual behaviours, particularly those of women. In order to advance our understanding of the HIV/AIDS phenomenon in different sociocultural contexts, as well as to design effective cultural-sensitive interventions, we must first understand how HIV/AIDS is constructed in different cultural sites. Against this backdrop, this exploratory study examines HIV/AIDS-related beliefs among non-infected, Israeli Arab-Palestinian women. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 women. Thematic content analysis was used in order to analyse the data. Five themes emerged from the analysis, in the first, personal responsibility and blame were assigned to people with HIV/AIDS for their illness. In the second theme, HIV/AIDS was constructed as a sexually transmitted disease, associated with 'deviant' sexuality and sexual conduct in the Arab culture. In the third theme, HIV/AIDS was believed to be transmitted by multiple, mostly mistaken, modes of contact. In the fourth theme, people with HIV/AIDS were believed to be subjected to severe negative social responses. In the fifth theme, individuals with HIV/AIDS were depicted as a symbol of physical and psychological malaise. In conclusion, the findings imply that Israeli Arab-Palestinian women hold negative beliefs concerning people with HIV/AIDS and are misinformed regarding HIV transmission. This suggests a need to design culturally appropriate interventions to address stigma-related beliefs and misconceptions concerning transmission, among Israeli Arab-Palestinian women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Soffer
- Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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8
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Grossman Z, Avidor B, Girshengoren S, Katchman E, Maldarelli F, Turner D. Transmission Dynamics of HIV Subtype A in Tel Aviv, Israel: Implications for HIV Spread and Eradication. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:5538894. [PMID: 31363777 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Subtype-A HIV was introduced into Israel in the mid-1990s, predominantly by immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU) infected via intravenous drug use (IVDU). HIV subsequently spread beyond the FSU-IVDU community. In 2012, a mini-HIV outbreak, associated with injection of amphetamine cathinone derivatives, started in Tel Aviv, prompting public health response. To assess current trends and the impact of the outbreak and control measures, we conducted a phyloepidemiologic analysis. METHOD Demographic and clinical records and HIV sequences were compiled from 312 subtype-A HIV-infected individuals attending the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center between 2005-2016, where >40% of all subtype-A HIV-infected individuals in Israel are undergoing care. Molecular evolutionary genetics analysis (MEGA) and ayesian evolutionary analysis sampling trees (BEAST) programs were implemented in a phylogenetic analysis of pol sequences. Reconstructed phylogenies were assessed in the context of demographic information and drug-resistance profiles. Clusters were identified as sequence populations with posterior probability ≥0.95 of having a recent common ancestor. RESULTS After 2010, the subtype-A epidemic acquired substantial phylogenetic structure, having been unrecognized in studies covering the earlier period. Nearly 50% of all sequences were present in 11 distinct clusters consisting of 4-43 individuals. Cluster composition reflected transmission across ethnic groups, with men who have sex with men (MSM) playing an increasing role. The cathinone-associated cluster was larger than previously documented, containing variants that continued to spread within and beyond the IVDU community. CONCLUSIONS Phyloepidemiologic analysis revealed diverse clusters of HIV infection with MSM having a central role in transmission across ethic groups. A mini outbreak was reduced by public health measures, but molecular evidence of ongoing transmission suggests additional measures are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehava Grossman
- School of Public Health, Tel Aviv University, Israel.,National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Boaz Avidor
- Crusaid Kobler AIDS Center, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Laboratory of Viruses and Molecular Biology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shirley Girshengoren
- Crusaid Kobler AIDS Center, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Laboratory of Viruses and Molecular Biology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eugene Katchman
- Crusaid Kobler AIDS Center, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Dan Turner
- Crusaid Kobler AIDS Center, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
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9
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Moscona R, Ram D, Wax M, Bucris E, Levy I, Mendelson E, Mor O. Comparison between next-generation and Sanger-based sequencing for the detection of transmitted drug-resistance mutations among recently infected HIV-1 patients in Israel, 2000-2014. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21846. [PMID: 28799325 PMCID: PMC5577736 DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.1.21846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transmitted drug-resistance mutations (TDRM) may hamper successful anti-HIV-1 therapy and impact future control of the HIV-1 epidemic. Recently infected, therapy-naïve individuals are best suited for surveillance of such TDRM. In this study, TDRM, detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS) were compared to those identified by Sanger-based population sequencing (SBS) in recently infected HIV-1 patients. METHODS Historical samples from 80 recently infected HIV-1 patients, diagnosed between 2000 and 2014, were analysed by MiSeq (NGS) and ABI (SBS). DeepChek-HIV (ABL) was used for interpretation of the results. RESULTS Most patients were males (80%); Men who have sex with men (MSM) was the major transmission group (58.8%). Overall, TDRM were detected in 31.3% of patients by NGS and 8.8% by SBS, with SBS TDRM restricted to persons infected with subtype B. All SBS-detected TDRM were identified by NGS. The prevalence of TDRM impacting protease inhibitors (PI), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) was 11.3, 26.2 7.5%, respectively, in NGS analyses and 0, 3.8 and 5%, respectively, in SBS analyses. More patients with NGS and SBS TDRM were identified in 2008-2014 (37.2% or 13.9%, respectively) compared to 2000-2007 (24.3% or 2.7%, respectively), and a significantly greater number of these patients had multiple NGS TDRM. The most abundant, albeit, minor-frequency RT TDRM, were the K65R and D67N, while K103N, M184V and T215S were high-frequency mutations. Minor TDRM did not become a major variant in later samples and did not hinder successful treatment. CONCLUSIONS NGS can replace SBS for mutation detection and allows for the detection of low-frequency TDRM not identified by SBS. Although rates of TDRM in Israel continued to increase from 2000 to 2014, minor TDRM did not become major species. The need for ongoing surveillance of low-frequency TDRM should be revisited in a larger study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Moscona
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Daniela Ram
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Marina Wax
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Efrat Bucris
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Itzchak Levy
- Infectious Disease Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ella Mendelson
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- School of Public Health, Tel Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
| | - Orna Mor
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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10
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Parczewski M, Leszczyszyn-Pynka M, Witak-Jędra M, Szetela B, Gąsiorowski J, Knysz B, Bociąga-Jasik M, Skwara P, Grzeszczuk A, Jankowska M, Barałkiewicz G, Mozer-Lisewska I, Łojewski W, Kozieł K, Grąbczewska E, Jabłonowska E, Urbańska A. Expanding HIV-1 subtype B transmission networks among men who have sex with men in Poland. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172473. [PMID: 28234955 PMCID: PMC5325290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reconstruction of HIV transmission links allows to trace the spread and dynamics of infection and guide epidemiological interventions. The aim of this study was to characterize transmission networks among subtype B infected patients from Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS Maximum likelihood phylogenenetic trees were inferred from 966 HIV-1 subtype B protease/reverse transcriptase sequences from patients followed up in nine Polish HIV centers. Monophyletic clusters were identified using 3% within-cluster distance and 0.9 bootstrap values. Interregional links for the clusters were investigated and time from infection to onward transmission estimated using Bayesian dated MCMC phylogeny. RESULTS Three hundred twenty one (33.2%) sequences formed 109 clusters, including ten clusters of ≥5 sequences (n = 81, 8.4%). Transmission networks were more common among MSM (234 sequences, 68.6%) compared to other infection routes (injection drug use: 28 (8.2%) and heterosexual transmissions: 59 (17.3%) cases, respectively [OR:3.5 (95%CI:2.6-4.6),p<0.001]. Frequency of clustering increased from 26.92% in 2009 to 50.6% in 2014 [OR:1.18 (95%CI:1.06-1.31),p = 0.0026; slope +2.8%/year] with median time to onward transmission within clusters of 1.38 (IQR:0.59-2.52) years. In multivariate models clustering was associated with both MSM transmission route [OR:2.24 (95%CI:1.38-3.65),p<0.001] and asymptomatic stage of HIV infection [OR:1.93 (95%CI:1.4-2.64),p<0.0001]. Additionally, interregional networks were linked to MSM transmissions [OR:4.7 (95%CI:2.55-8.96),p<0.001]. CONCLUSIONS Reconstruction of the HIV-1 subtype B transmission patterns reveals increasing degree of clustering and existence of interregional networks among Polish MSM. Dated phylogeny confirms the association between onward transmission and recent infections. High transmission dynamics among Polish MSM emphasizes the necessity for active testing and early treatment in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miłosz Parczewski
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Leszczyszyn-Pynka
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Witak-Jędra
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Bartosz Szetela
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jacek Gąsiorowski
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Brygida Knysz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Bociąga-Jasik
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł Skwara
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Grzeszczuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Maria Jankowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University in Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Iwona Mozer-Lisewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Władysław Łojewski
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital in Zielona Gora, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kozieł
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital in Zielona Gora, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Edyta Grąbczewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Jabłonowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Anna Urbańska
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
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Kassaye SG, Grossman Z, Balamane M, Johnston-White B, Liu C, Kumar P, Young M, Sneller MC, Sereti I, Dewar R, Rehm C, Meyer W, Shafer R, Katzenstein D, Maldarelli F. Transmitted HIV Drug Resistance Is High and Longstanding in Metropolitan Washington, DC. Clin Infect Dis 2016; 63:836-843. [PMID: 27307507 PMCID: PMC4996138 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciw382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Washington, DC, has 2.5% human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence, 3.9% among African Americans. Antiretrovirals (ARTs) are the cornerstone for treatment and prevention. Monitoring changes in transmitted drug resistance (TDR) is critical for effective HIV care. METHODS HIV genotype data for individuals enrolled in research studies in metropolitan Washington, D.C., were used to identify TDR using the World Health Organization mutation list [Bennett DE, Camacho RJ, Otelea D, et al. Drug resistance mutations for surveillance of transmitted HIV-1 drug-resistance: 2009 update. PloS One 2009; 4:e4724]. HIV phylogenies were reconstructed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. HIV transmission clusters were supported by 1000 bootstrap values >0.70 and posterior probability >0.95 of having a common ancestor. RESULTS Among 710 individuals enrolled in 1994-2013, the median age was 38.6 years, 46.2% were female, and 53.3% were African-American. TDR was 22.5% among 566 treatment-naive individuals; 15.8% had nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance, 9.8% had nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance, and 4.2% had protease inhibitor (PI) resistance. Single class TDR was 10.0%, 5.1%, and 1.6% to NRTIs, NNRTIs, and PIs. Dual TDR to PI and NRTI was seen in 1.6%, NRTI and NNRTI in 3.4%, and triple class TDR in 0.9%. TDR frequency decreased from 1994-2006 (27.1%) to 2007-2013 (19.4%; P = .02). Only 6/79 (7.6%) individuals within transmission clusters had evidence of TDR. DISCUSSIONS We identified high prevalence of TDR among HIV-infected individuals in metropolitan Washington, DC, regardless of gender. Active surveillance for TDR is needed to guide ART usage and analyses of risk group contributions to HIV transmission and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seble G Kassaye
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington D.C
| | - Zehava Grossman
- Department of Epidemiology, Tel Aviv University, Israel
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Maya Balamane
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington D.C
| | | | - Chenglong Liu
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington D.C
| | - Princy Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington D.C
| | - Mary Young
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington D.C
| | - Michael C Sneller
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Irini Sereti
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | | | - Catherine Rehm
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | | | - Robert Shafer
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, California
| | | | - Frank Maldarelli
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
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12
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Beloukas A, Psarris A, Giannelou P, Kostaki E, Hatzakis A, Paraskevis D. Molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 infection in Europe: An overview. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 46:180-189. [PMID: 27321440 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) is characterised by vast genetic diversity. Globally circulating HIV-1 viruses are classified into distinct phylogenetic strains (subtypes, sub-subtypes) and several recombinant forms. Here we describe the characteristics and evolution of European HIV-1 epidemic over time through a review of published literature and updated queries of existing HIV-1 sequence databases. HIV-1 in Western and Central Europe was introduced in the early-1980s in the form of subtype B, which is still the predominant clade. However, in Eastern Europe (Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries and Russia) the predominant strain, introduced into Ukraine in the mid-1990s, is subtype A (AFSU) with transmission mostly occurring in People Who Inject Drugs (PWID). In recent years, the epidemic is evolving towards a complex tapestry with an increase in the prevalence of non-B subtypes and recombinants in Western and Central Europe. Non-B epidemics are mainly associated with immigrants, heterosexuals and females but more recently, non-B clades have also spread amongst groups where non-B strains were previously absent - non-immigrant European populations and amongst men having sex with men (MSM). In some countries, non-B clades have spread amongst the native population, for example subtype G in Portugal and subtype A in Greece, Albania and Cyprus. Romania provides a unique case where sub-subtype F1 has predominated throughout the epidemic. In contrast, HIV-1 epidemic in FSU countries remains more homogeneous with AFSU clade predominating in all countries. The differences between the evolution of the Western epidemic and the Eastern epidemic may be attributable to differences in transmission risk behaviours, lifestyle and the patterns of human mobility. The study of HIV-1 epidemic diversity provides a useful tool by which we can understand the history of the pandemic in addition to allowing us to monitor the spread and growth of the epidemic over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos Beloukas
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandros Psarris
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Polina Giannelou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kostaki
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Lai A, Bozzi G, Franzetti M, Binda F, Simonetti FR, De Luca A, Micheli V, Meraviglia P, Bagnarelli P, Di Biagio A, Monno L, Saladini F, Zazzi M, Zehender G, Ciccozzi M, Balotta C. HIV-1 A1 Subtype Epidemic in Italy Originated from Africa and Eastern Europe and Shows a High Frequency of Transmission Chains Involving Intravenous Drug Users. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146097. [PMID: 26752062 PMCID: PMC4709132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subtype A accounts for only 12% of HIV-1 infections worldwide but predominates in Russia and Former Soviet Union countries of Eastern Europe. After an early propagation via heterosexual contacts, this variant spread explosively among intravenous drug users. A distinct A1 variant predominates in Greece and Albania, which penetrated directly from Africa. Clade A1 accounts for 12.5% of non-B subtypes in Italy, being the most frequent after F1 subtype. Aim Aim of this study was to investigate the circulation of A1 subtype in Italy and trace its origin and diffusion through phylogenetic and phylodynamic approaches. Results The phylogenetic analysis of 113 A1 pol sequences included in the Italian ARCA database, indicated that 71 patients (62.8%) clustered within 5 clades. A higher probability to be detected in clusters was found for patients from Eastern Europe and Italy (88.9% and 60.4%, respectively) compared to those from Africa (20%) (p < .001). Higher proportions of clustering sequences were found in intravenous drug users with respect to heterosexuals (85.7% vs. 59.3%, p = .056) and in women with respect to men (81.4% vs. 53.2%, p < .006). Subtype A1 dated phylogeny indicated an East African origin around 1961. Phylogeographical reconstruction highlighted 3 significant groups. One involved East European and some Italian variants, the second encompassed some Italian and African strains, the latter included the majority of viruses carried by African and Italian subjects and all viral sequences from Albania and Greece. Conclusions Subtype A1 originated in Central Africa and spread among East European countries in 1982. It entered Italy through three introduction events: directly from East Africa, from Albania and Greece, and from the area encompassing Moldavia and Ukraine. As in previously documented A1 epidemics of East European countries, HIV-1 A1 subtype spread in Italy in part through intravenous drug users. However, Eastern European women contributed to the penetration of such variant, probably through sex work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Lai
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Giorgio Bozzi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Franzetti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Binda
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco R. Simonetti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea De Luca
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Valeria Micheli
- Laboratory of Microbiology, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Meraviglia
- 2nd Division of Infectious Diseases, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bagnarelli
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Microbiology, Laboratory of Virology, University Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Laura Monno
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Zazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianguglielmo Zehender
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Epidemiology Unit, Department of Infectious, Parasite and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Italian Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Balotta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology Section, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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