Identification of a Novel HIV-1 Recombinant Form (CRF01_AE/07_BC) from an Elderly Individual in Hangzhou, Eastern China

The number and proportion of HIV/AIDS cases among older people in China have increased continuously and rapidly in recent years, with a more pronounced increase in males. In this study, we report a novel HIV-1 second-generation unique recombinant form isolated from a 79-year-old man in Hangzhou, for whom nonmarital commercial heterosexual contact as the potential transmission route. Phylogenetic analysis of the near full-length genome (NFLG) of strain 24HZ0410 reveals that a small genomic segment of CRF01_AE is inserted into the CRF07_BC backbone. Two recombinant breakpoints were observed in the tat and env gene regions, respectively. Our findings provide insight and a scientific basis in the genetic diversity in China. In addition, further molecular epidemiological surveillance of HIV-1 should be emphasized and strengthened among the elderly population in this region.