Genetic Profile of HIV-1 in the Vologda Region: Domination of CRF03_AB and Rapid Distribution of URFs

Abstract

The work was carried out molecular-epidemiological analysis of HIV-1 in the cities of the North-West Federal District — Vologda and Cherepovets. The study used a collection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from 80 HIVinfected patients: 52 samples were obtained from patients living in Cherepovets, and 28 samples — from Vologda. The distribution of the HIV-1 genetic variants in the studied cities was as follows: sub-subtype A6 — 51,25%; subtype B — 6,25%; the recombinant form of CRF_03AB — 32,5%; unique recombinant forms (URFs) — 6,25%, and 3,75% were represented by other subtypes: G and CRF63_02A1. A phylogenetic analysis confirmed the relationship of the sub-subtype A6 viruses with the A6 (IDU-A) variant predominating in Ukraine, Russia and other former Soviet Union (FSU) countries; the sequences of subtype B formed a common branch on the phylogram with reference strains characteristic of men who have sex with men; 32,5% of the nucleotide sequences formed a single cluster with the reference strain CRF03_AB. In addition to these subtypes, the presence of unique recombinant forms of HIV-1 containing segments of the sub-subtype A6 and IDU-B viruses were also found. The results of the molecular epidemiological analysis in the Vologda Oblast also showed significant differences in the genetic profile of HIV-1 in two nearby cities — Vologda and Cherepovets. Thus, the evolution of HIV-1 in the Vologda Oblast continues, with the main source of variability being the mutual penetration of viruses between risk groups and recombination processes.