Divergent transmission dynamics and drug resistance evolution of HIV-1 CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC in Tianjin, China (2013–2022)

Abstract Background Tianjin, a major hub in northern China, faces rising HIV-1 infections dominated by CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC. This study elucidated their divergent transmission patterns and drug resistance dynamics to guide targeted interventions. Methods This study included samples identified as CR...

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Main Authors: Zheng Minna, Zhao Hehe, Ning Tielin, Zhao Fangning, Gong Hui, Lyu Fan, Yu Maohe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:Virology Journal
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-025-02704-y
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author Zheng Minna
Zhao Hehe
Ning Tielin
Zhao Fangning
Gong Hui
Lyu Fan
Yu Maohe
author_facet Zheng Minna
Zhao Hehe
Ning Tielin
Zhao Fangning
Gong Hui
Lyu Fan
Yu Maohe
author_sort Zheng Minna
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Tianjin, a major hub in northern China, faces rising HIV-1 infections dominated by CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC. This study elucidated their divergent transmission patterns and drug resistance dynamics to guide targeted interventions. Methods This study included samples identified as CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC subtypes through various methods between 2013 and 2022. BEAST software was used to examine the spatiotemporal transmission patterns of these subtypes in Tianjin. By integrating HIV-TRACE, we constructed high-risk transmission clusters and identified drug resistance mutations (DRMs) based on the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database. Finally, the birth–death skyline serial (BDSKY) model was employed to dynamically assess the effective reproductive number (Re) of both subtypes to predict future transmission dynamics. Results CRF01_AE might be introduced in 1988 from Henan and Zhejiang, forming multiple small clusters (< 10 nodes) and spreading through both heterosexual and men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tianjin, while CRF07_BC from Chongqing and Guizhou, et al. in 2004, experiencing explosive local transmission and forming a large cluster of 170 nodes primarily among MSM under 30 years old (P < 0.05). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that CRF01_AE has a significantly higher evolutionary rate (2.08 × 10⁻3 vs. 1.48 × 10⁻3 substitutions/site/year, P < 0.05), while CRF07_BC demonstrates a greater cluster formation capacity (56.6% vs. 37.1%, P < 0.05). CRF01_AE showed a higher mutation occurrence rate (5.18% vs. 2.49%, P < 0.05), particularly with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) associated mutations (e.g., K101E). Although CRF07_BC had a lower resistance burden, the emergence of K103E mutations suggests a need for vigilance regarding potential decreases in sensitivity to newer NNRTIs. BDSKY modeling revealed that the Re for CRF01_AE dropped below 1 after 2016, whereas CRF07_BC’s Re remains above 1, indicating that the risk of transmission still exists. Conclusion Subtype-specific strategies are critical: intensified resistance monitoring for CRF01_AE and cluster-focused interventions for CRF07_BC, particularly among young MSM.
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institution OA Journals
issn 1743-422X
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publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher BMC
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series Virology Journal
spelling doaj-art-b425cfa84f4846529ef2715350ff78832025-08-20T02:15:08ZengBMCVirology Journal1743-422X2025-05-0122111210.1186/s12985-025-02704-yDivergent transmission dynamics and drug resistance evolution of HIV-1 CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC in Tianjin, China (2013–2022)Zheng Minna0Zhao Hehe1Ning Tielin2Zhao Fangning3Gong Hui4Lyu Fan5Yu Maohe6Department of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and PreventionNational Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and PreventionDepartment of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and PreventionDepartment of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and PreventionDepartment of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and PreventionNational Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and PreventionDepartment of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAbstract Background Tianjin, a major hub in northern China, faces rising HIV-1 infections dominated by CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC. This study elucidated their divergent transmission patterns and drug resistance dynamics to guide targeted interventions. Methods This study included samples identified as CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC subtypes through various methods between 2013 and 2022. BEAST software was used to examine the spatiotemporal transmission patterns of these subtypes in Tianjin. By integrating HIV-TRACE, we constructed high-risk transmission clusters and identified drug resistance mutations (DRMs) based on the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database. Finally, the birth–death skyline serial (BDSKY) model was employed to dynamically assess the effective reproductive number (Re) of both subtypes to predict future transmission dynamics. Results CRF01_AE might be introduced in 1988 from Henan and Zhejiang, forming multiple small clusters (< 10 nodes) and spreading through both heterosexual and men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tianjin, while CRF07_BC from Chongqing and Guizhou, et al. in 2004, experiencing explosive local transmission and forming a large cluster of 170 nodes primarily among MSM under 30 years old (P < 0.05). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that CRF01_AE has a significantly higher evolutionary rate (2.08 × 10⁻3 vs. 1.48 × 10⁻3 substitutions/site/year, P < 0.05), while CRF07_BC demonstrates a greater cluster formation capacity (56.6% vs. 37.1%, P < 0.05). CRF01_AE showed a higher mutation occurrence rate (5.18% vs. 2.49%, P < 0.05), particularly with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) associated mutations (e.g., K101E). Although CRF07_BC had a lower resistance burden, the emergence of K103E mutations suggests a need for vigilance regarding potential decreases in sensitivity to newer NNRTIs. BDSKY modeling revealed that the Re for CRF01_AE dropped below 1 after 2016, whereas CRF07_BC’s Re remains above 1, indicating that the risk of transmission still exists. Conclusion Subtype-specific strategies are critical: intensified resistance monitoring for CRF01_AE and cluster-focused interventions for CRF07_BC, particularly among young MSM.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-025-02704-yHIV-1Phylodynamic analysisTransmission dynamicsDRMs
spellingShingle Zheng Minna
Zhao Hehe
Ning Tielin
Zhao Fangning
Gong Hui
Lyu Fan
Yu Maohe
Divergent transmission dynamics and drug resistance evolution of HIV-1 CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC in Tianjin, China (2013–2022)
Virology Journal
HIV-1
Phylodynamic analysis
Transmission dynamics
DRMs
title Divergent transmission dynamics and drug resistance evolution of HIV-1 CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC in Tianjin, China (2013–2022)
title_full Divergent transmission dynamics and drug resistance evolution of HIV-1 CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC in Tianjin, China (2013–2022)
title_fullStr Divergent transmission dynamics and drug resistance evolution of HIV-1 CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC in Tianjin, China (2013–2022)
title_full_unstemmed Divergent transmission dynamics and drug resistance evolution of HIV-1 CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC in Tianjin, China (2013–2022)
title_short Divergent transmission dynamics and drug resistance evolution of HIV-1 CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC in Tianjin, China (2013–2022)
title_sort divergent transmission dynamics and drug resistance evolution of hiv 1 crf01 ae and crf07 bc in tianjin china 2013 2022
topic HIV-1
Phylodynamic analysis
Transmission dynamics
DRMs
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-025-02704-y
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