Identification of a Novel Second-Generation Circulating Recombinant Form (CRF48_01B) in Malaysia: A Descendant of the Previously Identified CRF33_01B

Abstract

A molecular epidemiological investigation conducted among injecting drug users in eastern Peninsular Malaysia in 2007 identified a cluster of sequences (n = 3) located outside any known HIV-1 genotype. Analyses of near full-length nucleotide sequences of these strains from individuals with no recognizable linkage revealed that they have an identical subtype structure comprised of CRF01_AE and subtype B', distinct from any known circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). This novel CRF, designated CRF48_01B, is closely related to CRF33_01B, previously identified in Kuala Lumpur. Phylogenetic analysis of multiple CRF48_01B genome regions showed that CRF48_01B forms a monophyletic cluster within CRF33_01B, suggesting that this new recombinant is very likely a descendant of CRF33_01B. CRF48_01B thus represents one of the first examples of a "second-generation" CRF, generated by additional crossover with pre-existing CRFs. Corroborating these results, Bayesian molecular clock analyses indicated that CRF48_01B emerged in approximately 2001, approximately approximately 8 years after the emergence of CRF33_01B.

HIV-1 CRF01_AE and Subtype B Transmission Networks Crossover: A New AE/B Recombinant Identified in Japan

“…Nonetheless, socially and/or virologically low barriers to recombination are suggested by the large number of reports in the past decade of more than 10 different types of CRFs between B and AE in Asian countries. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] In conclusion, a new recombinant strain CRF69_01B was found in Japan. This discovery alerts stakeholders to the important need for continued surveillance of circulating HIV Tables S2B and S3, respectively.…”

“…S2), which differed from any previously reported AE/B recombinant forms. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] The requirement for declaring a new CRF, as proposed by the Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1999, is to have at least three cases with no direct epidemiological lineage, accompanied by near full-length sequences. 32,33 From the medical records of the cases we confirmed that K231, K320,…”

“…1,2 This area has been recognized as a ''recombination hotspot'' 1 for AE and B. To date, 13 CRFs consistent with these two subtypes have been discovered, i.e., CRF15 3 and 34 4 in Thailand; CRF33, 5 48, 6 53, 7 54, 8 and 58 9 in Malaysia; CRF52 10 in both Thailand and Malaysia; CRF51 in Singapore 11 ; and CRF55, 12 59, 13 67, and 68 14 in China. In Japan, the number of HIV/AIDS patients at the end of 2013 was 23,015, including 7,203 AIDS and 15,812 non-AIDS patients.…”

Genomic Characterization of Two Novel HIV-1 Unique (CRF01_AE/B) Recombinant Forms Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Beijing, China

“…Indeed, we identified and characterized two novel recombinants derived from subtype B and CRF01_AE, which were highly different from the previously reported CRF01_AE/B recombinant. [4][5][6][7][8] Plasma samples were collected from two HIV-positive MSM from an IRB approved study conducted by China CDC. Both of them were infected with HIV-1 through MSM, and were confirmed as HIV-1 seropositive in May 2013 for BJMP3037B and in September 2013 for BJMP3194B, respectively.…”

Identification of New CRF51_01B in Singapore Using Full Genome Analysis of Three HIV Type 1 Isolates

“…In Thailand and Malaysia, emergence of distinct CRF01_AE/B circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) was documented mainly among injection drug users. [1][2][3][4] A recent HIV-1 molecular epidemiology study in Singapore was performed to determine if there was any cross-border transmission of the newly identified CRFs. 5 Unexpectedly, a novel recombinant form, with subtype B in protease and gp41 and CRF01_AE in gp120, was identified in 13 (11.9%) of 109 individuals tested.…”