Characteristics of HIV-1 molecular transmission networks and drug resistance among men who have sex with men in Tianjin, China (2014-2018).

BACKGROUND: In Tianjin, China, there is a relatively high prevalence of HIV in men who have sex with men (MSM). The number of HIV cases in Tianjin is also increasing. We investigated the HIV molecular transmission network, genetic tropisms, and drug resistance mutations in Tianjin. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 510 newly diagnosed antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve HIV-1-infected subjects among MSM in Tianjin. Partial pol and env genes were sequenced and used for phylogenetic, genetic tropism, and genotypic drug resistance analyses. Molecular clusters were identified with 1.5% genetic distance and 90% bootstrap support. RESULTS: Among the 436 HIV-1 pol sequences obtained from the study participants, various genotypes were identified, including CRF01_AE (56.9%), CRF07_BC (27.8%), B (7.3%), CRF55_01B (4.1%), unique recombinant forms (URFs) (3.7%), and CRF59_01B (0.2%). A higher prevalence of X4 viruses was observed in individuals infected with CRF55_01B (56.3%) and CRF01_AE (46.2%) than with other subtypes. Of all 110 sequences in the 36 clusters, 62 (56.4%) were observed in 23 CRF01_AE clusters and 18 (16.4%) in four CRF07_BC clusters. Eight sequences clustered with at least one other shared the same drug resistance mutation (DRM). In different cluster sizes, the distributions of individuals by age, presence of sexually transmitted disease, and presence of DRMs, were significantly different. CONCLUSION: We revealed the characteristics of HIV molecular transmission, tropism, and DRMs of ART-naïve HIV-infected individuals among the MSM population in Tianjin. Identifying infected persons at risk of transmission is necessary for proposing counseling and treating these patients to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

Correlates of HIV-infection among men who have sex with men: results from a community-based, cross-sectional study in Tianjin, China.

China has 747,000 confirmed HIV/AIDS cases and sexual transmission between men who have sex with men (MSM) is the most prevalent mode of transmission. Our study aims to (a) examine HIV prevalence and behavioral risk factors for HIV infection among 1900 MSM recruited from a community-based organization in Tianjin, China, and (b) describe HIV treatment outcomes for those diagnosed with HIV. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify which socio-demographics and behaviors were associated with HIV infection. The overall HIV prevalence was 3.95%. Key behavioral risk factors included: receptive sex role, older age at first sex with man, condomless anal sex, and having used 2+ drugs. Of those living with HIV, 83% were successfully enrolled in antiretroviral therapy and those enrolled were all virally suppressed after one year. These findings highlight key behavioral risk factors for HIV infection in Tianjin, China and can inform interventions to preventing further HIV transmission.

Trends in Incidence of HIV and Syphilis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men - Tianjin Municipality, China, 2013-2022.

What is already known about this topic?: Given the common modes of transmission, outbreaks of both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis are primarily observed in men who have sex with men (MSM). However, minimal research has been conducted to concurrently evaluate the rates and trends of HIV and syphilis incidence within this community in China. What is added by this report?: This manuscript presents the incidence rates and associated factors of HIV and syphilis in MSM in Tianjin based on data derived from a decade-long cohort study. Intriguingly, it depicts a decreasing trend in HIV incidence juxtaposed with an increasing incidence of syphilis among this population in Tianjin. What are the implications for public health practice?: The interconnected risk factors for HIV and syphilis pose significant hindrances to disease control. Our study underscores the urgent need for improved intervention strategies specifically aimed at MSM to mitigate the propagation of both infections.

[Epidemic analysis of HIV-1 incidence using BED-CEIA assay in Tianjin, China, 2010].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the epidemic characteristics of HIV-1 recent infection among high-risk populations in Tianjin and to provide reasonable evidence for intervention strategy. METHOD: Blood samples were detected using BED-CEIA to identify recent HIV-1 infection, and HIV/AIDS cases in Tianjin 2010 were collected to analyze epidemic data. RESULTS: 349 of reported HIV/AIDS cases were confirmed from total 777 207 people. ALL of 87 HIV-1 recent infections were males and mainly detected from men who have sex with men (MSM), voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) and STD outpatients, the HIV-1 incidence of each group was 1.48%, 0.38%, 0.17% respectively. There were not significant difference in recent HIV-1 infection rate between other areas and locals. The homosexual transmission was 80.46% among recent HIV-1 infections. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the homosexual contact was primary route of HIV transmission in Tianjin. The infection of HIV was serious among MSM, effective interventions should be taken for HIV/AIDS control and prevention urgently.

Economic Evaluation of the Comprehensive AIDS Prevention and Control Program - Tianjin Municipality, China, 2011-2022.

What is already known about this topic?: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) represents a significant public health challenge globally, not only inflicting harm on the health of individuals but also placing a considerable economic strain on society. What is added by this report?: This study represents the inaugural report on the potential reduction in economic burden attributable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention strategies in Tianjin. Between 2011 and 2022, it is estimated that effective measures could prevent 2,965 new HIV infections and avert 658 deaths, resulting in an economic benefit of approximately 14.437 billion Chinese Yuan. What are the implications for public health practice?: The findings of this study offer valuable evidence to inform the development of localized HIV prevention and control strategies, as well as to guide public health policymaking.

[Survey on recent infection of human immunodeficiency virus among men who have sex with men in Tianjin during 2008 - 2009].

OBJECTIVE: To study the situation of HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tianjin during 2008 - 2009 and to provide reasonable evidence for intervention strategy. METHODS: Transect investigations in MSM were conducted three times during 2008 - 2009. Blood samples were collected and detected to identify the recent HIV infection with IgG-capture BED-enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA) before HIV incidence was estimated. RESULTS: 1799 specimens were tested and the HIV prevalence rates of each study were 6.7%, 8.6% and 6.2%, while the incidence rates were 2.7%, 2.5% and 2.8%, respectively. The estimated incidence rates among these testees were 5.36% and 5.52% per year in 2008 and 2009. RESULTS: of this study showed that the HIV incidence stabilized at high level among MSM in Tianjin, calling for the effective interventions be taken for HIV/AIDS control and prevention.