Changes in HIV-1 Subtypes/Sub-Subtypes, and Transmitted Drug Resistance Among ART-Naïve HIV-Infected Individuals - China, 2004-2022.

Abstract

The efficacy of treatment and clinical outcomes may be jeopardized by factors such as transmitted drug resistance (TDR) and the genetic diversity of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). This comprehensive study aims to examine the alterations in HIV-1 subtypes or sub-subtypes and TDR among Chinese individuals, who have been diagnosed with HIV infection and are previously untreated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), across the span of 2004 to 2022. Sequences of the HIV-1 pol gene region were obtained from ART-naïve HIV-positive individuals across 31 provincial-level administrative divisions between 2004 and 2022. To predict susceptibility to 12 antiretroviral drugs, the research utilized the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database. The Cochran-Armitage trend test facilitated the analysis of changes in HIV-1 subtype/sub-subtype prevalence and TDR. This analysis was conducted in alignment with the progression of the National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program's stages between 2004 and 2022. Among the 57,902 ART-naïve individuals infected with HIV, there was a notable decline in the prevalence of CRF01_AE, B, and C from 37.3%, 24.1%, and 1.3% respectively in 2004-2007 to 29.4%, 7.3%, and 0.2% respectively in 2020-2022. Simultaneously, a significant increase was observed in the proportions of CRF07_BC, CRF08_BC, CRF55_01B, other CRFs, and URFs, from 24.1%, 11.5%, 0.1%, 0.4%, and 0.9% respectively in 2004-2007 to 40.8%, 11.5%, 3.8%, 3.7%, and 2.8% respectively in 2020-2022 (all P<0.001 for trend). The prevalence of TDR to overall, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), efavirenz, and nevirapine also significantly increased from 2.6%, 1.8%, 1.6%, and 1.8% respectively in 2004-2007 to 7.8%, 6.7%, 6.3%, and 6.7% respectively in 2020-2022 (all P<0.001 for trend). However, there were no meaningful changes in the TDR prevalence of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and protease inhibitor. Notably, in 2020-2022, the overall TDR prevalence exceeded 15% in Xinjiang. The total prevalence of TDR in China has achieved a moderate level (7.8%) from 2020 to 2022, with NNRTI resistance standing prominently at 6.7%. Consequently, measures to curb TDR are urgently required, particularly among ART-naïve HIV-infected individuals in China.