Molecular epidemiological study on HIV-1 infection via blood collection and supply in Hubei province

Objective To identify the genetic background of HIV strain subtypes spread via blood collection and supply and the distribution features in Hubei provinces of China.Methods The nested polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the DNA fragment gag-RT from peripheral blood mononclear cells.The PCR products of gag-RT region were sequenced after cloning into a TA vector.The HIV-1 sequences obtained were alignment by Clustal X and analyzed using phylogenetic and recombinant approaches.Results 17 gag-RT fragments were obtained using PCR.Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences suggested that all the samples from Hubei province,despite being geographically distant,harbored a group of genetically closely related HIV-1 B' stains previous identified in Henan province.No recombinant forms were detected in these sequences.Conclusion Our data indicated the AIDS epidemic transmitted via blood collection and supply in Hubei province was caused largely by HIV-1 subtype B',and was closed to the subtype circulating in the paid blood donors in Henan province.