HIV-1 diversity in viral reservoirs obtained from circulating T-cell subsets during early ART and beyond.

Even during extended periods of effective immunological control, a substantial dynamic of the viral genome can be observed in different cellular compartments in HIV-1 positive individuals, indicating the persistence of active viral reservoirs. To obtain further insights, we studied changes in the proviral as well as in the viral HIV-1 envelope (Env) sequence along with transcriptional, translational and viral outgrowth activity as indicators for viral dynamics and genomic intactness. Our study identified distinct reservoir patterns that either represented highly sequence-diverse HIV-1 populations or only a single / few persisting virus variants. The single dominating variants were more often found in individuals starting ART during early infection phases, indicating that early treatment might limit reservoir diversification. At the same time, more sequence-diverse HIV reservoirs correlated with a poorer immune status, indicated by lower CD4 count, a higher number of regimen changes and more co-morbidities. Furthermore, we noted that in T-cell populations in the peripheral blood, replication-competent HIV-1 is predominantly present in Lymph node homing TN (naïve) and TCM (central memory) T cells. Provirus genomes archived in TTM (transitional memory) and TEM (effector memory) T cells more frequently tended to carry inactivating mutations and, population-wise, possess changes in the genetic diversity. These discriminating properties of the viral reservoir in T-cell subsets may have important implications for new early therapy strategies, underscoring the critical role of early therapy in preserving robust immune surveillance and constraining the viral reservoir.

Insights to HIV-1 coreceptor usage by estimating HLA adaptation with Bayesian generalized linear mixed models.

The mechanisms triggering the human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) to switch the coreceptor usage from CCR5 to CXCR4 during the course of infection are not entirely understood. While low CD4+ T cell counts are associated with CXCR4 usage, a predominance of CXCR4 usage with still high CD4+ T cell counts remains puzzling. Here, we explore the hypothesis that viral adaptation to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex, especially to the HLA class II alleles, contributes to the coreceptor switch. To this end, we sequence the viral gag and env protein with corresponding HLA class I and II alleles of a new cohort of 312 treatment-naive, subtype C, chronically-infected HIV-1 patients from South Africa. To estimate HLA adaptation, we develop a novel computational approach using Bayesian generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). Our model allows to consider the entire HLA repertoire without restricting the model to pre-learned HLA-polymorphisms. In addition, we correct for phylogenetic relatedness of the viruses within the model itself to account for founder effects. Using our model, we observe that CXCR4-using variants are more adapted than CCR5-using variants (p-value = 1.34e-2). Additionally, adapted CCR5-using variants have a significantly lower predicted false positive rate (FPR) by the geno2pheno[coreceptor] tool compared to the non-adapted CCR5-using variants (p-value = 2.21e-2), where a low FPR is associated with CXCR4 usage. Consequently, estimating HLA adaptation can be an asset in predicting not only coreceptor usage, but also an approaching coreceptor switch in CCR5-using variants. We propose the usage of Bayesian GLMMs for modeling virus-host adaptation in general.

Rapid Selection of Sotrovimab Escape Variants in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Omicron-Infected Immunocompromised Patients.

BACKGROUND: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are predominantly less effective against Omicron variants. Immunocompromised patients often experience prolonged viral shedding, resulting in an increased risk of viral escape. METHODS: In an observational, prospective cohort, 57 patients infected with Omicron variants who received sotrovimab alone or in combination with remdesivir were followed. The study end points were a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 RNA <106 copies/mL in nasopharyngeal swabs at day 21 and the emergence of escape mutations at days 7, 14, and 21 after sotrovimab administration. All SARS-CoV-2 samples were analyzed using whole-genome sequencing. Individual variants within the quasispecies were subsequently quantified and further characterized using a pseudovirus neutralization assay. RESULTS: The majority of patients (43 of 57, 75.4%) were immunodeficient, predominantly due to immunosuppression after organ transplantation or hematologic malignancies. Infections by Omicron/BA.1 comprised 82.5%, while 17.5% were infected by Omicron/BA.2. Twenty-one days after sotrovimab administration, 12 of 43 (27.9%) immunodeficient patients had prolonged viral shedding compared with 1 of 14 (7.1%) immunocompetent patients (P = .011). Viral spike protein mutations, some specific for Omicron (e.g., P337S and/or E340D/V), emerged in 14 of 43 (32.6%) immunodeficient patients, substantially reducing sensitivity to sotrovimab in a pseudovirus neutralization assay. Combination therapy with remdesivir significantly reduced emergence of escape variants. CONCLUSIONS: Immunocompromised patients face a considerable risk of prolonged viral shedding and emergence of escape mutations after early therapy with sotrovimab. These findings underscore the importance of careful monitoring and the need for dedicated clinical trials in this patient population.

Simultaneous analysis of seven 16S rRNA hypervariable gene regions increases efficiency in marine bacterial diversity detection.

Environmental DNA sequencing is the gold standard to reveal microbial community structures. In most applications, a one-fragment PCR approach is applied to amplify a taxonomic marker gene, usually a hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. We used a new reverse complement (RC)-PCR-based assay that amplifies seven out of the nine hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene, to interrogate bacterial communities in sediment samples collected from different coastal marine sites with an impact gradient. In parallel, we employed a traditional one-fragment analysis of the hypervariable V3-V4 region to investigate whether the RC-PCR reveals more of the 'unseen' diversity obtained by the one-fragment approach. As a benchmark for the full deck of diversity, we subjected the samples to PCR-free metagenomic sequencing. None of the two PCR-based approaches recorded the full taxonomic repertoire obtained from the metagenomics datasets. However, the RC-PCR approach detected 2.8 times more bacterial genera compared to the near-saturation sequenced V3-V4 samples. RC-PCR is an ideal compromise between the standard one-fragment approach and metagenomics sequencing and may guide future environmental sequencing studies, in which bacterial diversity is a central subject.

Learning From Experience and Finding the Right Balance in the Governance of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health Technologies.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning medical tools have the potential to be transformative in care delivery; however, this change will only be realized if accompanied by effective governance that ensures patient safety and public trust. Recent digital health initiatives have called for tighter governance of digital health. A correct balance must be found between ensuring product safety and performance while also enabling the innovation needed to deliver better approaches for patients and affordable efficient health care for society. This requires innovative, fit-for-purpose approaches to regulation. Digital health technologies, particularly AI-based tools, pose specific challenges to the development and implementation of functional regulation. The approaches of regulatory science and "better regulation" have a critical role in developing and evaluating solutions to these problems and ensuring effective implementation. We describe the divergent approaches of the European Union and the United States in the implementation of new regulatory approaches in digital health, and we consider the United Kingdom as a third example, which is in a unique position of developing a new post-Brexit regulatory framework.

Characterization of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection Clusters Based on Integrated Genomic Surveillance, Outbreak Analysis and Contact Tracing in an Urban Setting.

BACKGROUND: Tracing of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission chains is still a major challenge for public health authorities, when incidental contacts are not recalled or are not perceived as potential risk contacts. Viral sequencing can address key questions about SARS-CoV-2 evolution and may support reconstruction of viral transmission networks by integration of molecular epidemiology into classical contact tracing. METHODS: In collaboration with local public health authorities, we set up an integrated system of genomic surveillance in an urban setting, combining a) viral surveillance sequencing, b) genetically based identification of infection clusters in the population, c) integration of public health authority contact tracing data, and d) a user-friendly dashboard application as a central data analysis platform. RESULTS: Application of the integrated system from August to December 2020 enabled a characterization of viral population structure, analysis of 4 outbreaks at a maximum care hospital, and genetically based identification of 5 putative population infection clusters, all of which were confirmed by contact tracing. The system contributed to the development of improved hospital infection control and prevention measures and enabled the identification of previously unrecognized transmission chains, involving a martial arts gym and establishing a link between the hospital to the local population. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated systems of genomic surveillance could contribute to the monitoring and, potentially, improved management of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the population.

Physics Essentials Enable Deeper Understanding in Signaling and Crosstalk of the Carcinogenesis Paradigm "Epistemology of the Origin of Cancer".

Radioactivity and radiation-induced mutations are believed to be primary causal examples of cancer-initiating events (stimulus). The assumption that an increase in cancer risk develops from any amount of radiation gave rise to the linear no-threshold model. This also led to the assumption that cancer is caused by somatic mutations as described by the somatic mutation theory. Against this backdrop, in actuality only ~5%-10% of cancers result from somatic mutations or its various modifications, while ~80% of cancers are still termed as 'sporadic', meaning that their cause is unknown. Therefore, both the linear no-threshold model and the somatic mutation theory have resulted in an incongruity in thinking. Decades of molecular and clinical research since 2012 led to the development of the cancer paradigm, "Epistemology of the origin of cancer", which explains why the majority of cancers originate as a result of a sixstep sequence of events. An understanding of the essentials of physics helps to explain the interconnections between physics and the biology of cancer. This allows for a much-needed reconciliation of past errors and leads to a deeper understanding of carcinogenesis.

Long-term prognostic counselling in people with multiple sclerosis using an online analytical processing tool.

BACKGROUND: Prognostic counselling is a sensitive issue in medicine and especially so in MS due to the highly heterogeneous disease course. However, people with MS (pwMS) seek prognostic information. The web-based 'Evidence-Based Decision Support Tool in Multiple Sclerosis' (EBDiMS) uses data of 717 patients from the London/Ontario cohort to calculate personalized long-term prognostic information. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effect of long-term prognostic counselling in pwMS using EBDiMS. METHODS: Ninety consecutive pwMS were provided with personalized estimations of expected time to reach Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores of 6 and 8 and time to conversion to secondary-progressive MS. Participants gave estimates on their own putative prognosis and rated the tool's acceptability on six-step Likert-type scales. RESULTS: Participants rated EBDiMS as highly understandable, interesting and relevant for patient-physician encounters, coping and therapy decisions. Although it provoked a certain degree of worry in some participants, 95% would recommend using the tool. Participants' own prognosis estimates did not change significantly following EBDiMS. CONCLUSION: Long-term prognostic counselling using an online tool has been shown to be feasible in a clinical setting. EBDiMS provides pwMS with relevant, easy-to-understand, long-term prognostic information without causing relevant anxiety.

High turnaround times and low viral resuppression rates after reinforced adherence counselling following a confirmed virological failure diagnostic algorithm in HIV-infected patients on first-line antiretroviral therapy from Tanzania.

OBJECTIVE: Early identification of confirmed virological failure is paramount to avoid accumulation of drug resistance in patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Scale-up of HIV-RNA monitoring in Africa and timely switch to second-line regimens are challenged. METHODS: A WHO adapted confirmed virological treatment screening algorithm (HIV-RNA screening, enhanced adherence counselling, confirmatory HIV-RNA testing) was evaluated in HIV-infected patients on first-line ART from Tanzania. The main endpoints included viral resuppression and virological failure rates, retention and turnaround time of the screening algorithm until second-line ART initiation. Secondary endpoints included risk factors for virological treatment failure and patterns of genotypic drug resistance. RESULTS: HIV-RNA >1000 copies/ml at first screening was detected in 58/356 (16.3%) patients (median time-on-treatment 6.3 years, 25% immunological treatment failure). Adjusted risk factors for virological failure were age <30 years (RR 5.2 [95% CI: 2.5-10.8]), years on ART ≥3 years (RR 3.0 [1.0-8.9]), CD4-counts <200 cells/µl (RR 9.3 [4.0-21.8]) and poor self-reported treatment adherence (RR 2.0 [1.2-3.4]). Resuppression of HIV-RNA <1000 copies/ml was observed in 5/50 (10%) cases after enhanced adherence counselling. Confirmatory testing within 3 months was performed in only 46.6% and switch to second-line ART within 6 months in 60.4% of patients. Major NNRTI-mutation were detected in all of 30 patients, NRTI mutations in 96.7% and ≥3 thymidine-analogue mutations in 40%. No remaining NRTI options were predicted in 57% and limited susceptibility in 23% of patients. CONCLUSION: We observed low levels of viral resuppression following adherence counselling, associated with high levels of accumulated drug resistance. High visit burden and turnaround times for confirmed virological failure diagnosis further delayed switching to second-line treatment which could be improved using novel point-of-care viral load monitoring systems.

OBJECTIF: L'identification précoce de l'échec virologique confirmé est primordiale pour éviter l'accumulation de résistance aux médicaments chez les patients sous traitement antirétroviral (ART). L'intensification du suivi de l'ARN du VIH en Afrique et le passage en temps opportun aux schémas thérapeutiques de deuxième intention sont adressés. MÉTHODES: Nous avons évalué un algorithme adapté de l'OMS confirmé pour le dépistage du traitement virologique (dépistage de l'ARN du VIH, adhésion renforcée du conseil, test de confirmation de l'ARN du VIH) chez des patients infectés par le VIH sous ART de première intention en Tanzanie. Les critères principaux comprenaient la répression virale et les taux d'échec virologique, la rétention et et la durée de rotation de l'algorithme de dépistage jusqu'à l'initiation de l'ART de deuxième ligne. Les critères d'évaluation secondaires comprenaient les facteurs de risque d'échec du traitement virologique et les profils de résistance génotypique aux médicaments. RÉSULTATS: Un ARN-VIH >1000 copies/ml au premier dépistage a été détecté chez 58/356 (16,3%) patients (durée médiane de traitement de 6,3 ans, 25% d'échec immunologique du traitement). Les facteurs de risque ajustés pour l'échec virologique étaient l'âge <30 ans (RR: 5,2 [IC95%: 2,5-10,8]), les années sous ART ≥3 ans (RR: 3,0 [1,0-8,9]), la numération des CD4 <200 cellules/µL (RR: 9,3 [4,0-21,8]) et une mauvaise compliance au traitement autodéclarée (RR: 2,0 [1,2-3,4]). Une re-suppression du VIH-ARN <1000 copies/mL a été observée chez 5/50 (10%) des cas après renforcement du conseil pour la compliance. Un test de confirmation dans les 3 mois n'a été réalisé que dans 46,6% des cas et le passage à l'ART de deuxième ligne dans les 6 mois chez 60,4% des patients. Des mutations NNRTI majeures ont été détectées chez tous les 30 patients, des mutations NRTI chez 96,7% et ≥3 mutations analogues à la thymidine chez 40%. Aucune option NRTI restante n'a été prévue chez 57% des cas et une sensibilité limitée chez 23% des patients. CONCLUSION: Nous avons observé de faibles taux de re-suppression virale après des conseils d'adhésion, associés à des taux élevés de résistance accumulée aux médicaments. La charge élevée des visites et les délais de rotation pour le diagnostic confirmé d'échec virologique ont retardé le passage au traitement de deuxième intention, ce qui pourrait être amélioré à l'aide de nouveaux systèmes de surveillance de la charge virale au point des soins.

geno2pheno[ngs-freq]: a genotypic interpretation system for identifying viral drug resistance using next-generation sequencing data.

Identifying resistance to antiretroviral drugs is crucial for ensuring the successful treatment of patients infected with viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). In contrast to Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing (NGS) can detect resistance mutations in minority populations. Thus, genotypic resistance testing based on NGS data can offer novel, treatment-relevant insights. Since existing web services for analyzing resistance in NGS samples are subject to long processing times and follow strictly rules-based approaches, we developed geno2pheno[ngs-freq], a web service for rapidly identifying drug resistance in HIV-1 and HCV samples. By relying on frequency files that provide the read counts of nucleotides or codons along a viral genome, the time-intensive step of processing raw NGS data is eliminated. Once a frequency file has been uploaded, consensus sequences are generated for a set of user-defined prevalence cutoffs, such that the constructed sequences contain only those nucleotides whose codon prevalence exceeds a given cutoff. After locally aligning the sequences to a set of references, resistance is predicted using the well-established approaches of geno2pheno[resistance] and geno2pheno[hcv]. geno2pheno[ngs-freq] can assist clinical decision making by enabling users to explore resistance in viral populations with different abundances and is freely available at http://ngs.geno2pheno.org.

Rapid Rebound of a Preexisting CXCR4-tropic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Variant After Allogeneic Transplantation With CCR5 Δ32 Homozygous Stem Cells.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) of homozygous CCR5 Δ32 stem cells once resulted in the cure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We have recently reported a viral breakthrough in a similar setting. Here, we demonstrate that the rapid rebound after alloSCT was related to a highly replicative CXCR4-tropic HIV variant, which could already be detected before alloSCT.

Kinetics of hepatitis B surface antigen quasispecies during REP 2139-Ca therapy in HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection.

Chronic HBV infection results in various clinical manifestations due to different levels of immune response. In recent years, hepatitis B treatment has improved by long-term administration of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) and peg-interferon. Nucleic acid polymers (NAPs; REP 2139-Ca and REP 2139-Mg) are new antiviral drugs that block the assembly of subviral particles, thus preventing the release of HBsAg and allowing its clearance and restoration of functional control of infection when combined with various immunotherapies. In the REP 102 study (NCT02646189), 9 of 12 patients showed substantial reduction of HBsAg and seroconversion to anti-HBs in response to REP 2139-Ca, whereas 3 of 12 patients did not show responses (>1 log reduction of HBsAg and HBV DNA from baseline). We characterized the dynamic changes of HBV quasispecies (QS) within the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of the 'pre-S/S' open reading frame including the 'a' determinant in responders and nonresponders of the REP 102 study and four untreated matched controls. HBV QS complexity at baseline varied slightly between responders and nonresponders (P = .28). However, these responders showed significant decline in viral complexity (P = .001) as REP 2139-Ca therapy progressed but no significant change in complexity was observed among the nonresponders (P = .99). The MHR mutations were more frequently observed in responders than in nonresponders and matched controls. No mutations were observed in 'a' determinant of major QS population which may interfere with the detection of HBsAg by diagnostic assays. No specific mutations were found within the MHR which could explain patients' poor HBsAg response during REP 2139-Ca therapy.

Impact of the HIV-1 genetic background and HIV-1 population size on the evolution of raltegravir resistance.

BACKGROUND: Emergence of resistance against integrase inhibitor raltegravir in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) patients is generally associated with selection of one of three signature mutations: Y143C/R, Q148K/H/R or N155H, representing three distinct resistance pathways. The mechanisms that drive selection of a specific pathway are still poorly understood. We investigated the impact of the HIV-1 genetic background and population dynamics on the emergence of raltegravir resistance. Using deep sequencing we analyzed the integrase coding sequence (CDS) in longitudinal samples from five patients who initiated raltegravir plus optimized background therapy at viral loads > 5000 copies/ml. To investigate the role of the HIV-1 genetic background we created recombinant viruses containing the viral integrase coding region from pre-raltegravir samples from two patients in whom raltegravir resistance developed through different pathways. The in vitro selections performed with these recombinant viruses were designed to mimic natural population bottlenecks. RESULTS: Deep sequencing analysis of the viral integrase CDS revealed that the virological response to raltegravir containing therapy inversely correlated with the relative amount of unique sequence variants that emerged suggesting diversifying selection during drug pressure. In 4/5 patients multiple signature mutations representing different resistance pathways were observed. Interestingly, the resistant population can consist of a single resistant variant that completely dominates the population but also of multiple variants from different resistance pathways that coexist in the viral population. We also found evidence for increased diversification after stronger bottlenecks. In vitro selections with low viral titers, mimicking population bottlenecks, revealed that both recombinant viruses and HXB2 reference virus were able to select mutations from different resistance pathways, although typically only one resistance pathway emerged in each individual culture. CONCLUSIONS: The generation of a specific raltegravir resistant variant is not predisposed in the genetic background of the viral integrase CDS. Typically, in the early phases of therapy failure the sequence space is explored and multiple resistance pathways emerge and then compete for dominance which frequently results in a switch of the dominant population over time towards the fittest variant or even multiple variants of similar fitness that can coexist in the viral population.

Multicenter Evaluation of Two Next-Generation HIV-1 Quantitation Assays, Aptima Quant Dx and Cobas 6800, in Comparison to the RealTime HIV-1 Reference Assay.

High accuracy and precision at the lower end of quantification are crucial requirements of a modern HIV viral load (VL) assay, since some clinically relevant thresholds are located at 50 and 200 copies/ml. In this study, we compared the performance of two new fully automated HIV-1 VL assays, Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx and Cobas HIV-1 (Cobas 6800), with the established RealTime m2000 assay. Assay precision and accuracy were evaluated in a retrospective evaluation out of excess plasma material from four HIV-1+ individuals (subtypes B, C, CRF01_AE, and CRF02_AG). Native plasma samples were diluted to nominal concentrations at 50 and 200 copies/ml (according to the RealTime m2000 assay). All dilutions were tested in triplicate in five independent runs over 5 days and in three labs per system. Assay concordance was determined using 1,011 surplus clinical routine samples, as well as selected retrospective longitudinal samples from 7 patients on treatment. The three assays yielded highly concordant results for individual clinical samples (R2 > 0.98; average difference, ≤0.2 log copies/ml) and retrospective longitudinal samples from patients on treatment. The Aptima and RealTime assays showed similar high precision, meeting the 5σ criterion for the majority of samples across all labs and subtypes. The Cobas assay was less precise, missing the 5σ criterion for the majority of samples at low concentrations. In this analysis, results from the Cobas assay appeared less reliable near the clinically relevant cutoff and should be interpreted with more caution in this context. Due to high precision, full automation, and high concordance with the RealTime assay, the Aptima assay represents a good alternative in routine VL monitoring.

[Intrapartum Foetal Heart Rate Monitoring and Rate of Caesarean Section: A National Survey]. / CTG-Analyse und Sectiorate ­ Ergebnisse einer deutschlandweiten Umfrage.

INTRODUCTION: The rate of Caesarean section has dramatically increased in recent decades. Foetal scalp blood sampling and computer software analysing foetal heart rate detection should help in the decision-making for or against Caesarean section. The main aim of this study was to examine how these 2 factors influence the Caesarean section rate. METHODS: A national survey of all maternity units in Germany was undertaken using a self-reported questionnaire via crowd sourcing. All variables were collected as categorised data sets. Using these data sets, correlation coefficients were calculated. The correlations were additionally analysed using visual mosaic plots. RESULTS: 97 questionnaires were analysed. There were several strong correlations between variables in the data set. Particularly, hospitals that assessed the foetal heart rate in the normal range (110-160 bpm) according to the current FIGO guidelines had a lower C-section rate. CONCLUSION: Computer-assisted foetal heart rate assessment that is based on the FIGO guidelines correlated with a lower Caesarean section rate. The use and further development of computer-based cardiotocograph assessment analysis should be continued.

Therapeutic Immune Recovery and Reduction of CXCR4-Tropic HIV-1.

BACKGROUND: In the absence of therapy, CXCR4 (X4)-tropic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) increases over time, associated with accelerated disease progression. In contrast, the majority of patients receiving long-term combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) present with CCR5 (R5)-tropic HIV-1 variants. It is unclear whether cART itself mediates the reduction of X4-tropic HIV-1. The current study aimed at assessing the tropism of viral integrates in patients' blood during fully suppressive cART. METHODS: The relative frequencies of X4-tropic proviral HIV-1 variants were determined by means of next-generation sequencing (False Positive Rate (FPR), 3.5%; R5- or X4 tropic variants occurring at less than 2% of the total virus population) for 35 treated patients in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and followed longitudinally over time. Full viral suppression and a continuous CD4 T-cell recovery during cART were documented for all patients. Viral phylogenetic changes and sequence evolution were analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of patients (80%) experienced no frequency increase in X4-tropic proviruses during therapy. Although some proviral sequence evolution was demonstrable in >50% of these patients during therapy, this growing viral diversity was in no case paralleled by the emergence or expansion of X4-tropic provirus variants. In the remaining 20% of patients, the documented expansion of X4-tropic provirus was based on the outgrowth of single viral variants from minority populations already present before therapy initiation. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that X4-tropic HIV sharply declines in most patients during successful therapy, which indicates a preferential tropism-dependent provirus elimination in the immunocompetent host. The recently implemented World Health Organization strategies of immediate therapy initiation are fully in line with this gradual loss of X4 tropism during therapy. Moreover, the early use of coreceptor antagonists against the remaining CCR5-tropic viruses may be indicated.

HIV-1 persistent viremia is frequently followed by episodes of low-level viremia.

After the start of antiretroviral therapy (ART), plasma HIV-RNA levels should fall below the limit of detection (LOD) within 24 weeks. Hence, the prolonged decline of HIV-RNA after ART initiation is defined as persistent viremia (PV). In this retrospective study, we analyzed factors associated with PV. Next-generation sequencing of viral RNA/DNA was performed to study viral evolution and the emergence of drug-resistance mutations in HIV-infected patients with PV (n = 20). In addition, HIV-DNA species, immunological parameters, and clinical data of the patients were analyzed. We found that the possible causes for PV were divers, and both virologic and host parameters of this particular cohort were heterogeneous. We identified viruses with therapy-associated DRMs in six patients (30%); two of these were detected as minority variants. Five patients had sub-optimal drug levels (25%) and the baseline plasma viral loads were relatively high. Strikingly, we observed that >40% of the PV patients finally reaching HIV levels below the LOD later on showed up with episodes of low-level viremia (LLV). However, the amount of PBMC derived HIV-DNA species was not correlated with the likelihood of LLV after PV. According to our data, we conclude that drug-resistant viruses, sub-optimal drug level, and high baseline viral loads might be probable reasons for the prolonged RNA decline only in a sub-set of patients. In the absence of emerging DRMs and/or compliance issues, the clinical implications of PV remain unclear; however, PV appears to be a risk factor for episodes of LLV.

Full-length haplotype reconstruction to infer the structure of heterogeneous virus populations.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies enable new insights into the diversity of virus populations within their hosts. Diversity estimation is currently restricted to single-nucleotide variants or to local fragments of no more than a few hundred nucleotides defined by the length of sequence reads. To study complex heterogeneous virus populations comprehensively, novel methods are required that allow for complete reconstruction of the individual viral haplotypes. Here, we show that assembly of whole viral genomes of ∼8600 nucleotides length is feasible from mixtures of heterogeneous HIV-1 strains derived from defined combinations of cloned virus strains and from clinical samples of an HIV-1 superinfected individual. Haplotype reconstruction was achieved using optimized experimental protocols and computational methods for amplification, sequencing and assembly. We comparatively assessed the performance of the three NGS platforms 454 Life Sciences/Roche, Illumina and Pacific Biosciences for this task. Our results prove and delineate the feasibility of NGS-based full-length viral haplotype reconstruction and provide new tools for studying evolution and pathogenesis of viruses.

Low-frequency drug-resistant HIV-1 and risk of virological failure to first-line NNRTI-based ART: a multicohort European case-control study using centralized ultrasensitive 454 pyrosequencing.

OBJECTIVES: It is still debated if pre-existing minority drug-resistant HIV-1 variants (MVs) affect the virological outcomes of first-line NNRTI-containing ART. METHODS: This Europe-wide case-control study included ART-naive subjects infected with drug-susceptible HIV-1 as revealed by population sequencing, who achieved virological suppression on first-line ART including one NNRTI. Cases experienced virological failure and controls were subjects from the same cohort whose viraemia remained suppressed at a matched time since initiation of ART. Blinded, centralized 454 pyrosequencing with parallel bioinformatic analysis in two laboratories was used to identify MVs in the 1%-25% frequency range. ORs of virological failure according to MV detection were estimated by logistic regression. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty samples (76 cases and 184 controls), mostly subtype B (73.5%), were used for the analysis. Identical MVs were detected in the two laboratories. 31.6% of cases and 16.8% of controls harboured pre-existing MVs. Detection of at least one MV versus no MVs was associated with an increased risk of virological failure (OR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.35-5.60, P = 0.005); similar associations were observed for at least one MV versus no NRTI MVs (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 0.76-6.77, P = 0.140) and at least one MV versus no NNRTI MVs (OR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.12-5.18, P = 0.024). A dose-effect relationship between virological failure and mutational load was found. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-existing MVs more than double the risk of virological failure to first-line NNRTI-based ART.