Year: 2023 | Month: October | Volume: 13 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 186-193
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20231025
Molecular Characterization of HIV-1 among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in Five Departments of the Republic of Congo
Barronne Lesly Mboussa1,2, Nadia Claricelle Loukabou Mbongolo3,4, Gervillien Arnold Malonga1,5, Yanne Vanessa Mavoungou3, Grâce Petula Urielle Fila-fila3, Igor Louzolo3,4, Sagesse Locko3, Donatien Moukassa1,2, Fabien Roch Niama3,4
1Tropical and Molecular Onco-Virology, Health and Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien
NGOUABI University, UMNG, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
2Laboratory of Immuno-Serology, Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba General Hospital, Oyo, Republic of Congo
3Faculty of Science and Technology, Marien NGOUABI University, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
4Molecular Biology Unit, National Public Health Laboratory, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
5Sorbonne University, INSERM, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Assistance
Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP‑HP), Pitié‑Salpêtrière University Hospitals - Charles Foix, Laboratory of
Virology, Paris, France
Corresponding Author: Barronne Lesly Mboussa
ABSTRACT
Introduction: HIV-1, an infectious agent with the greatest sequence diversity, including higher recombination rates. The objective of this study is to assess the genetic diversity of HIV-1 in FSWs in Congo.
Methods: A total of 39 plasma samples from FSWs ART-naive HIV-1-seropositive were collected from urban and semi-urban areas of the Republic of Congo. HIV-1 viral loads were determined by RT-PCR according the manufacturer’s instructions of the Abbott® m2000 Real-Time System. Complementary DNA synthesis and PCR amplification of HIV reverse transcriptase gene was performed from extracts of samples with a viral load > 1000 copies/mL by Nested PCR and products was sequencing by using an ABI 3500XL Genetic Analyzer for determined genetic diversity of HIV strains and the antiretroviral resistance profile.
Results: Of the 39 samples extracted, only 14 had a viral load greater than or equal to 1000 copies/ml. We were able to sequence 12 samples. It emerges that five subtypes of HIV-1 (A, G, J, H, D) and a recombinant form, CRF02_AG circulate among FSWs. Subtype A was more predominant with 41% followed by subtype G (25%). Subtypes D, H, J and CRF02_AG had a proportion of 8.33% each. Two samples showed major G190GA mutations conferring resistance to INNRT like NVP, V106VA and M184MV to INRTs such as DOR, NVP FTC and 3TC. Minor mutations such as: K70N, T215TN, E138A and V179E causing intermediate resistances to: EFV, ABC, D4T, DDI, TDF.
Conclusions: This study showed a predominance of subtype A followed by G then J, H, D subtypes and recombinant form CR02_AG in FSWs. Despite the small study sample size, continued analysis of HIV-1 viral loads and sequences in this population of FSWs is of considerable interest to examine and monitor genetic variability.
Key words: HIV-1 molecular characterization, HIV-1 drug resistance mutations, Female Sex Workers, Republic of Congo