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The changing epidemiological profile of HIV-1 subtype B epidemic in Ukraine

Abstract:

Background

While HIV‐1 subtype B has caused a large epidemic in the western world, its transmission in Ukraine remains poorly understood. We assessed the genetic diversity of HIV‐1 subtype B viruses circulating in Ukraine, characterized transmission group structure, and estimated key evolutionary and epidemiological parameters.

Methods

We analysed 120 HIV‐1 subtype B pol sequences (including 46 newly generated) sampled from patients residing in 11 regions of Ukraine between 2002‐2017. Phylogenies were estimated using maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods. A Bayesian molecular clock coalescent analysis was used to estimate effective population size dynamics and to date the most recent common ancestors of identified clades. A phylodynamic birth‐death model was used to estimate the effective reproductive number (Re) of these clades.

Results

We identified two phylogenetically distinct predominantly Ukrainian (≥75%) clades of HIV‐1 subtype B. We found no significant transmission group structure for either clade, suggesting frequent mixing among transmission groups. The estimated dates of origin of both subtype B clades were around early 1970s, similar to the introduction of HIV‐1 subtype A into Ukraine. Re for Clade 1 was estimated to be 1.42 (95% HPD 1.26‐1.56) and 1.69 (95% HPD 1.49‐1.84) for Clade 2.

Discussion

The subtype B epidemic in the country is no longer concentrated in specific geographical regions or transmission groups. The study results highlight the necessity for strengthening preventive and monitoring efforts to reduce the further spread of HIV‐1 subtype B.

Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Files:
Publisher copy:
10.1089/aid.2018.0167

Authors


More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MPLS Division
Department:
Zoology
Oxford college:
Hertford College
Role:
Author
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MPLS Division
Department:
Zoology
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0003-0352-6289


Publisher:
Mary Ann Liebert
Journal:
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses More from this journal
Volume:
35
Issue:
2
Publication date:
2018-11-15
DOI:
EISSN:
1931-8405
ISSN:
0889-2229
Pmid:
30430838


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
pubs:943766
UUID:
uuid:a9bba785-9687-4358-ac62-d23bc0474d87
Local pid:
pubs:943766
Deposit date:
2018-12-10

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