Genetic Diversity and Antiretroviral Resistance in HIV-1-Infected Patients Newly Diagnosed in Cabo Verde

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) genetic diversity and transmitted drug resistance (TDR) pose challenges to effective treatment.
• Understanding HIV-1 genotypes and resistance mutations is crucial for optimizing antiretroviral therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate prevalent HIV-1 genotypes and drug-resistance-associated mutations in drug-naïve individuals in Cabo Verde.
• To assess the prevalence of TDR and specific resistance mutations within the study population.

Main Methods:

• Sequencing of the HIV-1 pol gene from drug-naïve individuals using Sanger sequencing.
• Identification of TDR with the Stanford Calibrated Population Resistance tool and interpretation using the Stanford HIV database.
• Phylogenetic analysis for HIV-1 genetic diversity and collection of epidemiological data via questionnaires.

Main Results:

• The predominant HIV-1 genotype was CRF02_AG (41.1%), followed by subtype G (37.0%).
• Overall TDR prevalence was 9.6%, with Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI) mutations found in 9.6% of individuals.
• The most frequent mutations were K103N (5.5%) and M184V (2.7%); no protease or integrase mutations were detected.

Conclusions:

• The study identified a significant prevalence of TDR, particularly NNRTIs, in drug-naïve individuals in Cabo Verde.
• Findings underscore the necessity for continuous surveillance of HIV-1 resistance mutations to maintain the efficacy of current antiretroviral regimens, including Dolutegravir.