HIV, HBV and HCV molecular epidemiology among trans (transvestites, transsexuals and transgender) sex workers in Argentina

CAROBENE M; DOS RAMOS FARIAS MS.; BOLCIC F; QUARLERI JF; AVILA MM

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY

WILEY-LISS, DIV JOHN WILEY & SONS INC

Año: 2013 p. 1 - 5

0146-6615

Male-to-female transvestites, transsexuals and transgender (TSW) frequently exert commercial sex work (CSW) in Argentina, rendering them susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, HBV, and HCV. In a global context of scarce data on the TSW population, we aimed at characterizing these viruses at the genomic level. The presence of HIV, HBV, and HCVgenomic material was evaluated in plasma samples from 273 TSW. Further genomic sequences from HIV-gag, pol, and vif-vpu genes, HBV-S gene, and HCV-5?UT and NS5B genes were obtained. Molecular characterization involved phylogenetic analysis and several in silico tools. Resistance-associated mutations in HIV and HBV pol genes were also analyzed. HIV genomic characterization from 62 TSW samples showed that 54.8% of the isolates corresponded to BF recombinants, and 38.7% to subtype B. The remaining were classified as subtype C (4.8%) and A (1.6%). HBV and HCV were characterized in 3 and 7 positive samples. The former were ascribed to subtypes A2 and C, while the HCV isolates were typed as 1a, 1b, 3a, 4a, and 4d. Drug resistance associated mutations were found in 12 out of 62 (19 %) HIV pol sequences, but none among the HBV samples. Based on phylogenetic relationships, the HIV isolates characterized as subtype BF and B appeared intermingled with those from other high-risk groups. In spite of TSW individuals having declared not to have received antiviral treatment, complex drug resistance associated mutation patterns was found in several HIV isolates. Planned prevention, screening, and treatment are needed to reduce further transmission and morbidity.