Molecular footprints of a traveling epidemic: CRF01_AE-cluster 5 (01_C5) might spread across Northeast and South China via middle-aged MSM - PubMed
12 hours ago
- #molecular epidemiology
- #HIV-1
- #CRF01_AE
- HIV-1 CRF01_AE has multiple sub-subtypes (01_C1-C8) with distinct transmission dynamics in China.
- 01_C5 (46.7%) and 01_C4 (37.2%) were the most prevalent sub-subtypes, with 01_C5 dominating in Shenyang (73.7%) and 01_C4 in Shenzhen (53.0%).
- Molecular network analysis identified 24 large clusters, with 01_C5 accounting for 64.7% and 01_C4 for 28.5%.
- 01_C5 was predominant in mixed large clusters (75.9%) containing sequences from both Shenyang and Shenzhen.
- Bayesian phylodynamic analysis suggested one-way transmission of 01_C5 from Shenyang to Shenzhen, driven by middle-aged MSM (30-49 years old).
- The study highlights the need for targeted interventions focusing on middle-aged MSM to prevent cross-regional 01_C5 transmission.