Study on immunological status and viral subtype distribution of HIV-1 carriers in MSM, Ningbo.

Objective To investigate the immunological status and viral subtype distribution of HIV-1 carriers among men who have sex with men(MSM)in Ningbo city.Methods Thirteen blood samples were collected from HIV-1 carriers,who acknowledged to be MSM.The number of CD4+ T lymphocyte was detected by flow cytometer.The partial RNA of HIV-1 env gene(C2-V3)was amplified from the samples by nested-PCR and sequenced.The viral subtypes of HIV-1 carriers were determined by comparing with reference strains using DNASTAR software.Results Eleven viral sequences were detected and analyzed,which included 1 B subtype,4 CRE01_AE subtype and 6 CRE07_BC subtype.The number of CD4+ T lymphocyte ranged from 106/μl to 649/μl and the mean value was 350/μl.Conclusion The multiple subtypes of HIV-1 were existed among MSM group of population in Ningbo city.A half of the HIV-1 carriers need antiviral therapy.The results suggested the severity of HIV epidemic situation and importance of specific strategy for the disease prevention and control among MSM.