Epidemiological trends of HIV‐1 infection in blood donors from Catalonia, Spain (2005‐2014). Issue 9 (5th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bes, Marta; Piron, Maria; Casamitjana, Natàlia; Gregori, Josep; Esteban, Juan Ignacio; Ribera, Esteban; Quer, Josep; Puig, Lluís; Sauleda, Sílvia
• Is Part Of: Transfusion. Volume 57:Issue 9(2017)
• Page Start: 2164
• Page End: 2173
• Publication Date: 2017-07-05
• Subjects: Hematology -- Periodicals; Blood -- Transfusion -- Periodicals; Blood Group Antigens -- Periodicals; Blood Preservation -- Periodicals; Blood Transfusion -- Periodicals; 615
• DOI: 10.1111/trf.14195
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-1132

Abstract

Abstract : BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV‐1) subtype B is predominant in Spain. However, the recent arrival of immigrant populations has increased the prevalence of non‐B subtypes and circulating recombinant forms. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV‐1 subtypes and transmitted drug‐resistance mutations in blood donors from the Catalonian region (northeastern Spain). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: HIV‐1–positive blood donors identified in Catalonia from 2005 to 2014 were included. Demographic variables and risk factors for HIV‐1 acquisition were recorded. HIV‐1 subtyping was carried out by HIV‐1 DNA polymerase region sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses were performed using the neighbor‐joining method. RESULTS: During the study period, 2.8 million blood donations were screened, and 214 HIV‐1–positive donors were identified, yielding an overall prevalence of 7.7 per 100, 000 donations (89% men; mean age, 34 ± 10 years). Most HIV‐1–positive donors were native to Spain (81%), and 61% were regular blood donors. When risk factors were known, 62% reportedly were men who had sex with men. HIV‐1 subtyping was possible in 176 HIV‐1–positive individuals: 143 (81%) had HIV‐1 subtype B, and 33 (19%) had non‐B subtypes. Most HIV‐1 non‐B subtypes were circulating recombinant forms (n = 20; 61%). Factors associated with HIV‐1 subtype B were male sex (p = 0.007) and men who had sex with men (p < 0.001). The overall prevalence of transmitted drug‐resistance mutations was 14%. CONCLUSION: Non‐B subtypes, circulating recombinant forms, and transmitted drug‐resistance mutation sequences circulate among HIV‐1–positive blood donors in Catalonia. Continuous local epidemiological surveillance is required to implement optimal prevention strategies for controlling transfusion‐transmitted HIV and to improve health policies regarding HIV infection.