JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

These dynamic of HIV-1 molecular networks are closely linked to the personal characteristics and behaviors of infected individuals. The real-time analysis of HIV-1 molecular network characteristics allows for the identification and comprehension of the ongoing transformations within molecular networks, thereby facilitating prompt interventions and response strategies

Objective:

To identify the dynamic changes occurring in HIV-1 molecular transmission networks and analyze the primary influencing factors driving the dynamics of HIV molecular networks.

Methods:

From September 1, 2015, to June 30, 2019, this research was carried out in five districts of Nanjing, with a focus on individuals who were newly diagnosed with HIV infection during this period. The HIV-1 molecular network in Nanjing was constructed by utilizing a combination of phylogenetic tree and gene distance methods. The dynamic changes in the molecular network over a specific time period were analyzed and compared between the baseline and observed endpoint molecular network.

Results:

In this study, 955 HIV-1 pol fragments were successfully amplified from 1013 specimens. Subtype identification revealed that CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC were the predominant subtypes, accounting for 40.84% and 33.61% respectively. Through the analysis and comparison of the basic and terminal molecular networks, it was discovered that 144 sequences constituted static molecular network, and 487 sequences contributing to the formation of dynamic molecular networks. The findings of the multivariate analysis indicate that the factors, including occupation as a student, migrant status, Han ethnicity, engagement in occasional or multiple sexual partnerships, participation in anal sex, and being single, are independent risk factors for the dynamic changes observed in the HIV-1 molecular network, and the OR value (95%CI) were 2.63 (1.54~4.47), 1.83 (1.17~2.84), 2.91 (1.09~7.79), 1.75 (1.06~2.90), 4.12 (2.48~6.87), 5.58 (2.43~12.80), 2.10 (1.25~3.54) respectively. Heterosexuality and homosexuality appear to be protective factors against such changes when compared to bisexuality, with OR values (95%CI) of 0.12 (0.05~0.32) and 0.26 (0.11~0.64). Additionally, the national eight-item score and experience with sex education are also identified as protective factors against dynamic changes in the HIV-1 molecular network, the OR values (95%CI) are 0.12 (0.05~0.32) and 0.26 (0.11~0.64), respectively.

Conclusions:

The identification of HIV dynamic molecular networks has provided valuable insights into the characteristics of individuals undergoing dynamic alterations. This groundbreaking study focused on analyzing the dynamic changes and determinants of molecular networks, which uncovered independent risk factors associated with these changes.