Genetic diversity of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) in the Kaliningrad region

Abstract

Introduction. As is currently known, the epidemic process in the Kaliningrad Region was mainly associated with the spread of the recombinant form of HIV-1 (CRF03_AB); however, regular HIV importations from other countries and continents has created favorable conditions for emergence and spread of various recombinant forms of the virus. The most complete information on the diversity of recombinant forms in the region is also necessary to understand the structure of drug resistance (DR). The aim of the study was to explore the HIV-1 genetic diversity in the Kaliningrad Region. Materials and methods. We studied 162 blood plasma samples obtained from patients from the Kaliningrad Region, both with confirmed virological failure of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and with newly diagnosed HIV infection. For reverse transcription and amplification of HIV genome fragments, diagnostic AmpliSense HIVResist-Seq. Results and discussion. The various recombinants between subtypes A and B (74%) were predominant in study group: recombinant was between CRF03_AB and subtype A (33.95%) and CRF03_AB-like (13.58%) were the most common. Among the pure subtypes of the virus, subtype A6 (16.67%). The circulation of subtypes B (3.70%) and G (1.23%) was also noted. Ninety-six patients (59.26%) were identified with at least one mutation associated with antiretroviral (ARV) drug resistance. Conclusion. The observed diversity of subtypes and recombinant forms of the virus implies that the new recombinants are actively emerging in the studied region, both between existing recombinant forms and pure subtypes, as well as between pure subtypes.