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Molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 infection in immigrant population in northern Italy

Caterina Sagnelli1, Caterina Uberti-Foppa2, Sabrina Bagaglio2

  • 1Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Campania University Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.

Epidemiology and Infection
|February 6, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This study tracks the molecular epidemiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) in migrants in Milan, finding subtype B predominates, primarily among men who have sex with men (MSM). Continuous HIV-1 surveillance is crucial for targeted prevention efforts.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) exhibits significant genetic diversity, with various strains and recombinant forms.
  • Understanding the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 is essential for effective prevention and control strategies, particularly in diverse populations.
  • Migrant populations may represent unique epidemiological profiles for HIV-1 transmission and evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular epidemiology and evolutionary patterns of HIV-1 among migrant populations in Milan, northern Italy.
  • To identify dominant HIV-1 subtypes and their associated demographic and risk factors.
  • To inform public health surveillance and prevention initiatives.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of polymerase gene sequences from 116 HIV-1 subtype B positive patients using MAFFT alignment and Bioedit software.
  • Phylogenetic analysis using a maximum likelihood (ML) approach with MEGA7 and visualization with FigTree v1.4.3.
  • Comparison of demographic and clinical data between HIV-1 subtype B and non-B patients.

Main Results:

  • HIV-1 subtype B was the predominant strain (89.9%) among 129 migrant patients, followed by subtypes C, F1, D, and A.
  • The majority of patients were men who have sex with men (MSM) (76.4%), with most sequences originating from Europe and the Americas.
  • Patients with non-B subtypes had lower CD4+ cell counts, were more frequently of Sub-Saharan origin, and less frequently identified as MSM compared to subtype B patients.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights the prevalence of HIV-1 subtype B and its association with MSM in the studied migrant population.
  • Findings underscore the need for continuous molecular epidemiology monitoring among migrant populations to guide targeted HIV-1 prevention programs.
  • Adapting prevention strategies based on molecular epidemiology can enhance public health surveillance and control efforts.
Keywords:
HIV-1 subtype Bimmigrantsmolecular epidemiology

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