LAUSR

OBJECTIVES It is important to monitor the diversity and evolution of HIV-1 genotypes especially in some remote and undeveloped regions in China where the diversity and distribution of HIV-1 genotypes are not fully clear. METHODS To investigate the genotypes and distribution of HIV-1 in far Northwestern Gansu Province of China, we selected 220 HIV-1 positive plasma samples from the center of disease prevention and control (CDC) in Gansu from January 2016 to December 2018. The viral load of inclusion samples were over 1000 copies per milliliter. The gag, pol, env gene of HIV-1 were amplified by nested RT-PCR, sequenced and then identified genotypes using HIV-BLAST tool and the Neighbor-joining method. RESULTS 150 of 220 inclusion samples were successfully determined HIV-1 genotypes. Our results show that CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE are predominant and accounted for 46.7% and 28.0%, respectively. Other HIV-1 subtypes and genotypes included B/B' (6.0%), CRF08_BC (4.0%) and C (1.3%). In addition, we reported CRF65_cpx and CRF55_01B subtypes in Gansu for the first time. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the sequences of different samples are scattered in different genotype groups, and no obvious aggregation occurs. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate the genetic variety and complexity of HIV-1 and provide critical information for HIV/AIDS control and prevention in Gansu Province.