HIV-1 subtypes and transmission of drug resistance in Southern and Eastern Austria

Abstract

Background: In Austria, the majority of HIV-1 isolates belong to subtype B; however, non-B subtypes may be more prevalent recently due to migration. Additionally, an increased risk for transmission of drug resistant HIV-1 may be observed. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of HIV-1 subtypes in Southern and Eastern Austria. To evaluate the presence of relevant HIV-1 drug resistance in drug-nave patients. To compare data obtained within a 5-years interval. Materials and methods: HIV-1 sequences obtained from 54 drug-nave patients in 2002 were matched with those obtained from another 54 drug-nave patients in 2007. Automated RNA extraction was done with the AmpliPrep instrument (Roche Molecular Diagnostics). Amplification and sequencing were performed with the TruGene HIV-1 Genotyping Kit (SIEMENS medical) according to the manufacturers package insert instructions. Sequences were analyzed with the GeneLibrarian module of GeneObjects software (version G12). HIV-1 subtypes were determined by means of the geno2pheno database (www.geno2pheno.org). Results: Subtype B was found to be the predominant subtype in 2002 (77.8%) and in 2007 (70.4%). In 2002, subtypes CRF01_AE (7.4%), A (5.6%), C, F, G, CRF08_BC, and CRF10_CD (1.9% each) were found additionally. Corresponding data for 2007 were D (9.3%), F (7.4%), CRF02_AG (3.7%), A, G, CRF01_AE, CRF09_cpx, and CRF14_BG (1.9% each). Prevalence of transmitted drug resistance was 20.4% for any drug in 2002 and 22.2% for any drug in 2007. The majority of drug resistance was found for protease inhibitors. Dual class resistance was observed in 1 patient in 2002 and in 2 patients in 2007. Triple class resistance was not found in any patient. Conclusion: HIV-1 subtype B is still dominant in Southern and Eastern Austria. The percentage of non-B subtypes and recombination forms is increasing slightly. The transmission rate of drug-resistant HIV-1 has been stable within a 5-years interval.

Date of Award	2011
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Medical University Graz
Supervisor	Harald Kessler (Supervisor)