HIV type 1 subtype surveillance in central Kenya.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) exhibits significant genetic diversity, with distinct subtypes prevalent in specific geographic locations.
• Understanding the distribution of HIV-1 subtypes is crucial for effective disease surveillance and intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the predominant circulating subtypes of HIV-1 in central Kenya.
• To contribute to ongoing efforts in monitoring the HIV/AIDS epidemic's evolution within Kenya.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted using HIV-1-positive blood samples from eight hospitals in Kenya's central province.
• Proviral DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, followed by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing of the HIV-1 env gp41 region.
• Ninety-six samples were successfully amplified and sequenced for subtype analysis.

Main Results:

• Analysis revealed that HIV-1 subtype A1 was the most dominant, accounting for 69.8% (67/96) of the sequenced samples.
• Subtype D was the second most prevalent at 18.7% (18/96), followed by subtype C at 11.5% (11/96).
• These findings align with previous observations of subtype A1 dominance in other regions of Kenya.

Conclusions:

• HIV-1 subtype A1 is the predominant circulating strain in central Kenya.
• Continued surveillance of HIV-1 subtypes is essential for tracking the progression of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Kenya.
• This data aids in tailoring public health interventions and understanding viral evolution.