Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 ((HIV-1) subtypes in the northwest region, Cameroon

Abstract

Background The high genetic diversity of HIV-1 has been shown to influence the global distribution, disease progression, treatment success, and the development of an effective vaccine. Despite the low HIV prevalence in Cameroon, all the major HIV subtypes alongside several circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and unique recombinant forms (URFs) have been reported in Cameroon. To date, HIV-1 diversity in some parts of Cameroon has been largely studied however, information on circulating HIV-1 subtypes in the Northwest region (NWR) of Cameroon is dearth. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the current circulating HIV-1 subtypes among adults in the NWR of Cameroon. Methods The genetic analysis of the reverse transcriptase region of the po l gene was performed on 81 samples. The samples were collected from drug naïve patients aged between 18 and 61 years residing within the rural and urban towns in the NWR during the period between February and April 2016. Viral RNA was extracted from plasma, reverse-transcribed, further amplified by nested-PCR before sequencing using an in-house protocol. Generated sequences were then phylogenetically analyzed together with references using MEGA 7. Results Phylogenetic analysis revealed a broad viral diversity including CRF02 _AG (74.1%), F2 (7.4%), D (7.4%), G (3.7%), A1 (1.2%), CRF22_01A1 (2.5%), CRF06_cpx (1.2%), CRF09_cpx (1.2%), CRF11_cpx (1.2%). Three close epidemic clusters were found among F2 (1) and CRF02_AG (2) variants. For the first time we are reporting the CRF22_01A1 subtype in this region. Conclusion Our findings update HIV-1 subtypes information in Cameroon and uphold previous studies that CRF02_AG is the most prevalent subtype. This CRF02_AG subtype may have important public health, research, and clinical consequences.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 genetic diversity in HIV positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy in a cross sectional study conducted in Teso, Western Kenya

“…Notably, most HIV-2 cases have been reported in West Africa countries and has expanded in countries with historical and socio-economic ties to this region [ 5 ]. Phylogenetic analysis of various HIV-1 strains worldwide has showed three groups, which are M, N and O [ 6 , 7 ]. The global HIV pandemic is mainly caused by group M viruses that are further subdivided into subtypes (A, B, C, D, F, G, H, J and K) and sub-subtypes (A1, A2, A3 and F1, F2).…”

HIV Genetic Diversity, Virological Failure, and Drug Resistance in Libreville, Capital of Gabon, before a Total Dolutegravir-Based Regimen Transition

“…Our studied population is characterized by the dominance of the circulating recombinant form (CRF) subtype. This CRF was previously described as a dominant subtype by previous publications in Gabon [3] [26] and Cameroon [27] [28]. A more recently conducted study in the southeast of Gabon (Franceville, provincial capital of Haut-Ogooué) shows the dominance of HIV-1 subtype "A" followed by "CRF" [4], in agreement with the previous studies conducted in the Republic of Congo, neighboring the province of Haut-Ogooué whose provincial capital is Franceville [29] [30].…”

Study To Evaluate the Performance of a Point-of-Care Whole-Blood HIV Viral Load Test (SAMBA II HIV-1 Semi-Q Whole Blood)

“…The most prevalent HIV subtypes are B (plus C,A,D) in the UK, A (plus B) in Ukraine, CRF02_AG in Cameroon and C in Zimbabwe [26][27][28][29] This meant that the assay was performed on a range of HIV subtypes. The study was also undertaken in settings identical to those where it is intended to be used i.e.…”