HIV-1 resistance profile in plasma and peripheral blood lymphocytes in a group of naive patients

Transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance (TDR) is a persisting problem, even though the prevalence of primary resistance may remain stable or start to decline. Proviral DNA detectable in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is a reservoir of drug resistant viral variants and could be an alternative marker to viral RNA for the detection of drug resistance mutations. The aim of this study was to compare the HIV-1 resistance profile between plasma viral RNA and proviral DNA in a group of untreated patients. Thirty-one HIV-1 seropositive patients without prior ARV treatment were included in the study. The presence of non-polymorphic drug resistance mutations was identified in 10 cases in proviral DNA and in 11 cases in plasma according to different scoring systems. Our results show a similar resistance profile between plasma RNA and proviral DNA, but with some discordances present. The sequencing of proviral DNA could provide useful additional information with regard to primary resistance. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 175024

Tracing the origin and dynamics of the HIV-1 epidemic in Serbia

Since the first report of HIV infection in Serbia in 1985, the HIV-1 epidemic was very dynamic, changing the pattern in subtype distribution and prevailing transmission routes. To better understand the origin and epidemiological dynamics of HIV-1, we analyzed 266 (pol) sequences from Serbian patients diagnosed over a period of 14 years. Subtype distribution in Serbia is still marked by a prevailing subtype B genetic form. The transmission pattern, however, has changed from being intravenous drug user (IVDU) - driven to predominantly sexual transmission. The estimated time of initial founder strain introduction of sequences from Serbian IVDUs and MSM (men who have sex with men) is similar and dates back to the early 1980s, while introduction of subtype C occurred much more recently. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 175024

Hepatitis C virus genotypes in Serbia and Montenegro: The prevalence and clinical significance

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Serbia and Montenegro and their influence on some clinical characteristics in patients with chronic HCV infection. METHODS: A total of 164 patients was investigated. Complete history route of infection, assessment of alcohol consumption, an abdominal ultrasound, standard biochemical tests and liver biopsy were done. Gene sequencing of 5 NTR type-specific PCR or commercial kits was performed for HCV genotyping and subtyping. The SPSS for Windows (version 10.0) was used for univariate regression analysis with further multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 1b3a and 1b4 were present in 57.9%, 3.79/b, 23.2%, 6.7%, 6.7% and 1.8% of the patients, respectively. The genotype 1 (mainly the subtype 1b) was found to be independent of age in subjects older than 40 years, high viral load, more severe necro-inflammatory activity, advanced stage of fibrosis, and absence of intravenous drug abuse. The genotype 3a was associated with intravenous drug abuse and the age below 40. Multivariate analysis demonstrated age over 40 and intravenous drug abuse as the positive predictive factors for the genotypes 1b and 3a, respectively. CONCLUSION: In Serbia and Montenegro, the genotypes 1b and 3a predominate in patients with chronic HCV infection. The subtype 1b is characteristic of older patients, while the genotype 3a is common in drug abusers. Association of the subtype lb with advanced liver disease, higher viral load and histological activity suggests earlier infection with this genotype and eventually its increased pathogenicity. (c) 2007 The WJG Press. All rights reserved