Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate genetic subtype distribution and sequence characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1)strains prevalent in Henan province during 2010. MethodsThree hundred and fifty one blood samples were collected from newly ascertained HIV-1 infection individuals in Henan during 2010 and the plasma specimens were seperated from the samples.RNAs were extracted and the complete gag gene was amplified by reverse transcription(RT)-PCR and nested-PCR.The PCR products were sequenced.All sequences were analysed with Bioinformatics software. ResultsAmong the 351 HIV-1 plasma specimens,210 gag HIV-1 gene fragments were amplified and analyzed.Seven HIV-1 subtypes or circulating recombinant forms(CRF)including B,CRF01-AE,CRF07-BC,CRF08-BC,CRF01A1,CRF01B,and CRF31-BC were identified.Genotyping showed that the number of subtype HIV-1 was 185(88.09%)for B,12(5.71%)for CREDI-AE,8(3.81%)for CRFO7-BC,2(0.95%)for CRF08-BC,and 1(0.48%)for CREOIAI,CRFOIB and CRF31-BC,respectively. ConclusionThere are seven HIV-1 genetic subtypes pevalent in Henan province and subtype B is the main subtype.