Identification of A HIV-1 CRF15_01B subtype similar strain in Beijing

Objective The study revealed the appearance of an HIV-1 CRF15_01B subtype similar strain in Beijing through sequence analysis of env,gag and pol genes of the strain.Methods The plasma viral RNA was extracted from a HIV-1 infected(BJ06108,through sexual transmission) Sichuan woman living in Beijing.Nested PCR was used to amplify the env,gag and pol genes. Sequencing and subtype analysis was then performed.Results The discrete rates in env,gag and pol gene regions of case BJ06108 were similar to those of the CRF15_01B subtype reference strain,1501 B.TH.99.99TH_MU2079 being 8.8%,6.1% and 7.2%,respectively.Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that BJ06108 and the CRF15_01B subtype reference strain,1501 B.TH.99.99TH_MU2079,shared a same node.Conclusion A CRF15_01B subtype similar strains had appeared in Beijing.It was necessary to strengthen the surveillance of HIV-1 subtype variation.