Epidemiological characteristics of HIV infection in men who have sex with men in Shanghai, 2013

Objective To understand the demographic and behavioral characteristics as well as HIV subtypes of HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) reported in 2013 in Shanghai,and provide evidence for the prevention and control of HIV infection in MSM. Methods On the basis of informed consent, epidemiological investigation were conducted among newly reported MSM infected with HIV, and blood samples were collected from them. RT-PCR and nested PCR were conducted to amplify HIV-1 pol protease and partial reverse transcriptase genes, and phylogenetic analysis was performed The comparison between HIV infected MSM aged 50 years and HIV infected MSM aged 50 years was conducted to reveal their demographic and behavioral characteristics and HIV subtypes. Results The most common HIV subtype was CRF01_AE, accounting for 48.1% (25/52), followed by CRF07_BC (26.9%, 14/52), subtype B (11.5%, 6/52), CRF08_BC (3.8%, 2/52), subtype 01B (9.6%, 5/52). The proportion of CRF01_AE was significantly lower in 50 years old MSM(48.1%)than in MSM aged 50 years(63.8%) (2=11.18,P0.05), and the differences in disease progression and mortality were significant, indicating that AIDS was more likely to develop in HIV infected MSM aged 50 years. Conclusion Most 50 years old MSM infected with HIV in Shanghai were local residents,and the genetic subtypes of HIV-1 strains among 50 years old MSM were different, mainly CRF01_AE. We should pay attention to the subtype of CRF01_AE, develop appropriate and targeted strategies, strengthen high-risk behavior intervention in local males aged 50 years for AIDS prevention and control.