Practice and Prospect: HIV-1 Molecular Network-Based Studies in China

Abstract

Identification of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission networks is a critical step in the public health response; however, it is challenging to achieve this through traditional epidemiological surveys alone. The molecular network approach can provide more accurate information for understanding HIV outbreaks and bring targeted interventions into reality. Based on the current global development of the concept of the molecular network, Chinese scientists have in recent years explored the applications of molecular networks for understanding the HIV-1 transmission trends, for identifying the population acquiring priority interventions, and for evaluating the targeted intervention effectiveness. In this review, we focus on research progress by Chinese scientists in the field of molecular networks and put forward some suggestions for future research of molecular networks.

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“…18 By combining molecular networks with field epidemiological surveys and social network analysis, a comprehensive transmission network can be constructed, which can be used to formulate tailored intervention measures to prevent new HIV outbreaks. 19 Besides numerous molecular epidemiological studies in China, an HIV molecular transmission network-based prevention and control plan has also been initiated by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, with two versions of Technical Guidelines released and pilot projects initiated over the past few years. A database of hundreds of thousands of HIV genetic sequences has been built, laying a foundation for using HIV molecular transmission networks to inform and guide the precise HIV intervention and prevention.…”

“…Given the diversity of the HIV-1 subtypes and their varied distribution, prevalence and transmission modes, it is crucial to build an HIV molecular transmission network among HIV-infected individuals, not only to infer dissemination relationships over greater geographic areas and longer periods, but also to identify potential transmission hotspots 18 . By combining molecular networks with field epidemiological surveys and social network analysis, a comprehensive transmission network can be constructed, which can be used to formulate tailored intervention measures to prevent new HIV outbreaks 19 . Besides numerous molecular epidemiological studies in China, an HIV molecular transmission network-based prevention and control plan has also been initiated by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, with two versions of Technical Guidelines released and pilot projects initiated over the past few years.…”