Abstract
BackgroundThe high genetic diversity of HIV-1 has been shown to influence the global distribution, disease progression, treatment success, and the development of an effective vaccine. Despite the low HIV prevalence in Cameroon, all the major HIV subtypes alongside several circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and unique recombinant forms (URFs) have been reported in Cameroon. To date, HIV-1 diversity in some parts of Cameroon has been largely studied however, information on circulating HIV-1 subtypes in the Northwest region (NWR) of Cameroon is dearth. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the current circulating HIV-1 subtypes among adults in the NWR of Cameroon.MethodsThe genetic analysis of the reverse transcriptase region of the pol gene was performed on 81 samples. The samples were collected from drug naïve patients aged between 18 and 61 years residing within the rural and urban towns in the NWR during the period between February and April 2016. Viral RNA was extracted from plasma, reverse-transcribed, further amplified by nested-PCR before sequencing using an in-house protocol. Generated sequences were then phylogenetically analyzed together with references using MEGA 7.ResultsPhylogenetic analysis revealed a broad viral diversity including CRF02 _AG (74.1%), F2 (7.4%), D (7.4%), G (3.7%), A1 (1.2%), CRF22_01A1 (2.5%), CRF06_cpx (1.2%), CRF09_cpx (1.2%), CRF11_cpx (1.2%). Three close epidemic clusters were found among F2 (1) and CRF02_AG (2) variants. For the first time we are reporting the CRF22_01A1 subtype in this region.ConclusionOur findings update HIV-1 subtypes information in Cameroon and uphold previous studies that CRF02_AG is the most prevalent subtype. This CRF02_AG subtype may have important public health, research, and clinical consequences.
Highlights
The high genetic diversity of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 has been shown to influence the global distribution, disease progression, treatment success, and the development of an effective vaccine
Due to the preexisting diverse HIV-1 subtypes, there is a likelihood of increasing mixed infections that could lead to the development of diverse circulating recombinant forms
There is a need for surveillance of these diverse HIV subtypes, circulating recombinant forms (CRF), and Unique recombinant forms (URF) that have implications on vaccine design and transmission fitness in this region
Summary
The high genetic diversity of HIV-1 has been shown to influence the global distribution, disease progression, treatment success, and the development of an effective vaccine. HIV-1 diversity in some parts of Cameroon has been largely studied information on circulating HIV-1 subtypes in the Northwest region (NWR) of Cameroon is dearth. Due to the preexisting diverse HIV-1 subtypes, there is a likelihood of increasing mixed infections that could lead to the development of diverse circulating recombinant forms Based on this trend, there is a need for surveillance of these diverse HIV subtypes, CRFs, and URFs that have implications on vaccine design and transmission fitness in this region. This study was conducted to ascertain the current circulating HIV subtypes, CRFs, or URFs in the Northwest region of Cameroon
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
