Genomic characterization of a new CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC case from a MSM patient in Guangdong, China.

The CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC clades dominate the HIV epidemics in China. Both clades have been identified in the MSM population in Guangdong province, raising a serious concern of possible complex recombination events ahead. Here, we report the first case of CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC recombinant sampled from a MSM patient in southern China. The genomic structure of this case is a mosaic with some regions resembling the CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC clades. Our phylogenetic analyses show that the two parental lineages of this recombinant virus were mainly found in the MSM population. This case has a different genomic composition compared with other recombinants descended from the same parental clades CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC. Our finding suggests that the MSM populations have become a hotspot for expanding viral diversity through the viral recombination mechanism. Therefore, further epidemiologic surveillance and monitoring should be conducted within the MSM populations in order to help advance our knowledge of viral transmission mechanisms. Additionally, these measures will serve to enhance the control and prevention of HIV/AIDS in China. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.