Molecular Network Characteristics and Drug Resistance Analysis Among Newly Diagnosed Persons Living with HIV-1 in Hefei, China (2017–2022)

Molecular transmission networks are being used with increasing frequency to study HIV-1 transmission patterns and to develop precise intervention strategies for high-risk populations. Here, we analyzed the molecular transmission networks of newly diagnosed patients with HIV-1 in Hefei City, Anhui Province, from 2017 to 2022. Of the 1,413 newly diagnosed HIV-1 Pol sequences, the major genotypes in Hefei were CRF07_BC (600, 42.5%) and CRF01_AE (530, 37.5%). Molecular transmission network analysis identified 146 clusters and 9 large propagation clusters, including four CRF01_AE clusters, four CRF07_BC clusters, and one CRF55_01B cluster. This study highlights the pattern of local HIV-1 transmission in Hefei City, with notable rapid transmission of CRF55_01B. It suggests that the implementation of focused strategies for the identified key transmission clusters is essential for effective control of the HIV-1 epidemic.