Molecular epidemiology of HIV, HPV and HCV circulating among trans sex workers from Argentina.

DOS RAMOS FARÍAS MS; CAROBENE, M; BOLCIC F; PANDO MA; GARCIA MN; GONZÁLEZ JV; BASILETTI J; PICCONI MA; ÁVILA MM

Viena, Austria

Congreso; XVIII International AIDS Conference.; 2010

Background: Compared to other high risk populations, trans (transvestites, transsexuals and transgender) sex workers (TSW) are poorly studied in our country. This study aimed at characterizing HIV, HPV and HCV genotypes among TSW from Argentina, and comparing the HIV serological status and HPV/HCV genotypes found. Methods: 133 TSW>18 years old were recruited (2006-2009). Informed consents and biological samples were obtained. HIV subtype was determined by analysis of pol gene sequences, using Bootscanning and jpHMM. HPV genotyping was performed by PCR-RLB. HCV genotype was obtained by phylogenetic analysis (Mega 3.1) of 5`UTR region.Results: HIV subtype was characterized in 65 samples, 47.7% corresponded to B (31/65), 49.2% to BF (32/65) and one was an AB recombinant. Preliminary data from another genomic region (5446-5972, HXB2 numbering) showed that one sample characterized as B was a BC recombinant.HPV genotype was determined in 90 samples. HPV coinfection was found in 70% of the samples (63/90). Most frequent high-risk genotypes were: HPV16(32.2%), HPV58(16.6%), HPV39(14.4%), HPV18, 51, 66(13.3% each) and HPV31(12.2%). 83.3%(75/90) of the samples presented at least one of them.According to HIV serological status, a higher frequency of HPV coinfection was observed among HIV(+) individuals (80%, 27/34) when compared to the HIV(-) ones (64%, 36/56)(p>0.05). Interestingly, 21% of HIV(-) presented at least 4 different HPV genotypes, while in the HIV(+) group it raised to 47% (p=0.02).HCV genotype was determined in 6 samples, 3/6 corresponding to genotype1, 2/6 to genotype4 and 1/6 to genotype3.Conclusions: This study revealed a similar frequency of B and BF HIV subtypes and the presence of two intersubtype recombinants, one of them (AB) not previously described. A greater number of HPV genotypes was observed in HIV(+) than in HIV(-) individuals, suggesting a relationship between genotype diversity and risk behavior.Despite the small number of HCV(+) TSW, the frequency of genotype4 (33%) was unexpected.