Genomic Characterization of Two Novel HIV-1 CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC Unique Recombinant Forms in Shenzhen, China

Recombination events are a key driver of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genetic diversity. In this study, HIV-1 samples were collected from two male patients in Shenzhen, China. Two novel recombinant forms (Ls6449 and Ls16801) derived from CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC were identified, and their near full-length genomes were obtained. Analysis of these two forms suggested that the recombination between CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC continued to occur in Shenzhen, potentially contributing to the increasing genetic complexity of the local HIV-1 epidemic. These findings highlight the need for enhanced molecular surveillance and genotyping targeting key routes, specifically sexual transmission and mobility-associated spread. It is expected to generate precise epidemiological evidence and inform local HIV prevention and control strategies.