A study on the sources of HIV-1 transmission in Haikou, China: insights from molecular genetics and field epidemiological investigations
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective This study aimed to integrate molecular network analysis, Bayesian phylogenetic modeling, and field epidemiological investigation to systematically trace the sources of HIV-1 transmission in Haikou, China. Design A longitudinal molecular surveillance program was implemented between 2021 and 2024, combined with a cross-sectional field epidemiological investigation. Methods Subtype-specific local sequence databases were constructed from nationwide sequences. Molecular clusters containing both local and external sequences were subjected to phylogeographic analysis under a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock and a Skygrid model to infer transmission origins. Complementing the molecular analyses, field epidemiological investigations were carried out among a subset of participants to assess self-reported transmission sources. Results Among the 1,125 pol sequences, CRF01_AE (35.64%), CRF07_BC (38.58%), CRF65_cpx (7.20%), and CRF55_01B (4.53%) were the four most prevalent subtypes, with local clustering rates of 36.65%, 33.64%, 86.42%, and 54.90%, respectively. Phylogeographic analysis identified Guangdong as the primary origin of HIV-1 introductions into Haikou for all four subtypes, followed by Beijing (CRF01_AE_C1 and CRF65_cpx) and Shanghai (CRF07_BC). CRF01_AE showed bidirectional transmission between Haikou and Sanya, and between Haikou and Dongfang; CRF07_BC and CRF65_cpx both disseminated from Haikou to six other cities in Hainan. Field epidemiological investigations revealed that 52.33% (236/451) of participants had acquired HIV outside Haikou, with Guangdong being the primary source (16.95%, 40/236), followed by Sichuan (5.93%, 14/236). Within Hainan, Sanya accounted for the largest share (7.63%, 18/236). Conclusion By integrating molecular and epidemiological evidence, this study advances the tracing of HIV-1 transmission sources and underscores the critical need for cross-regional prevention strategies targeting mobile populations.
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7225734042