Journal Article

HIV-1 CRF01_(A)E subtype and HIV-1 DNA level among patients with chronic HIV-1 infection: a correlation study

Hsieh, Evelyn, Lyu, Wei, Lyu, Tingxia, Wang, Jianhua, Cao, Wei, Li, Taisheng, Song, Xiaojing, Yue, Yongsong, Han, Yang, Zhu, Ting

2020

Overview

The impact of HIV-1 subtype (CRF01_(A)E and non-CRF01_(A)E) on HIV-1 DNA levels in HIV-1 chronically infected patients with suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains poorly understood. To evaluate the correlation of HIV-1 subtype with DNA level, and identify baseline predictors of HIV-1 DNA decay. ART-naïve HIV-1-infected patients from two large multi-center studies in China were classified into CRF01_(A)E and non-CRF01_(A)E subtype groups. Peripheral blood samples were collected at baseline and week 12, 24, 48 and 96 after ART initiation and total HIV-1 DNA levels were quantified by real-time PCR. HIV-1 DNA levels at week 96 were categorized into high, moderate, and low levels, reflecting HIV-1 DNA [greater than or equai to] 3, 2-3, [less than or equai to] 2 log.sub.10 copies/10.sup.6 PBMCs, respectively, and the corresponding proportion of CRF01_(A)E and non-CRF01_(A)E subtype were compared. The baseline predictors of low HIV-1 total DNA levels ([less than or equai to] 2 log.sub.10 copies/10.sup.6 PBMCs) at week 96 were evaluated using a logistic regression model. Compared to the non-CRF01_(A)E subtypes (n = 185), patients with CRF01_(A)E subtype (n = 188) harboured a higher level of HIV-1 DNA (median: 3.19 vs. 2.95 log.sub.10 copies/10.sup.6 PBMCs, P < 0.001) prior to treatment. After 96 weeks of ART, HIV-1 DNA levels remained higher in the CRF01_(A)E subtype group (median: 2.63 vs. 2.39 log.sub.10 copies/10.sup.6 PBMCs, P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients achieving high (22.3% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.054), moderate (59.6% vs. 60.5%, P = 0.849) and low levels (18.1% vs 24.9%, P = 0.111) between CRF01_(A)E and non-CRF01_(A)E groups. In the multivariable analysis, baseline HIV-1 DNA level and CD4.sup.+ T cell count but not the subtype were independent risk factors for achieving HIV-1 DNA level [less than or equai to] 2 log.sub.10 copies/10.sup.6 PBMCs. HIV-1 CRF01_(A)E subtype is neither correlated with HIV-1 DNA reservoir decline nor a prognostic factor for achieving lower HIV-1 DNA levels ([less than or equai to] 2 log.sub.10 copies/10.sup.6 PBMCs) after ART. However, higher HIV-1 DNA level in HIV-1 CRF01_(A)E patients should be aroused much attention and strengthen surveillance during ART.

• Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd,BioMed Central,BMC
• Subject: Antiretroviral agents / Antiretroviral therapy / CRF01_(A)E / DNA / DNA reservoir / Drug therapy / Evaluation / Genetic aspects / Genetic markers / Genetic research / Highly active antiretroviral therapy / HIV / HIV patients / Medical research / T cells / Time