Identification of a new HIV-1 second-generation circulating recombinant form (CRF134_0185) in Yunnan, China

Recent correspondence in this journal reported the frequent occurrence of HIV-1 circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) in Yunnan Province, China. 1 Gao Q. Feng Y. Gao L. Zhang M. Liu Y. Xiao M. et al. Genetic characteristics of a new HIV-1 subtype B/C intersubtype circulating recombinant form (CRF118_BC) identified in Yunnan, China. J Infect. 2021; 83: 237-279 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (4) Google Scholar , 2 Li J. Gao Q. Zhang M. Liu J. Jia Y. Feng Y. et al. A newly emerging HIV-1 circulating recombinant form (CRF110_BC) comprising subtype B and C among intravenous drug users in Yunnan, China. J Infect. 2021; 82: e8-e10 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar , 3 Xiao M. Feng Y. Gao L. Yang C. Liu J. He M. et al. Characterization of a newly emerging HIV-1 second-generation recombinant form (CRF125_0107) among heterosexuals in Yunnan, China. J Infect. 2022; 84: e112-e115 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar Yunnan is located in southwest China bordering Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. Because of its proximity to the Golden Triangle, Yunnan was the first region in China where HIV infection was detected in batch. 4 Lu L. Jia M. Ma Y. Yang L. Chen Z. Ho D.D. et al. The changing face of HIV in China. Nature. 2008; 455: 609-611 Crossref PubMed Scopus (239) Google Scholar The predominant HIV-1 strains circulating in China initially originated from Yunnan Province, such as CRF07_BC and CRF08_BC. 5 Feng Y. Takebe Y. Wei H. He X. Hsi J.H. Li Z. et al. Geographic origin and evolutionary history of China's two predominant HIV-1 circulating recombinant forms, CRF07_BC and CRF08_BC. Sci Rep. 2016; 6: 19279 Crossref PubMed Scopus (71) Google Scholar , 6 Tee K.K. Pybus O.G. Li X.J. Han X. Shang H. Kamarulzaman A. et al. Temporal and spatial dynamics of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 circulating recombinant forms 08_BC and 07_BC in Asia. J Virol. 2008; 82: 9206-9215 Crossref PubMed Scopus (135) Google Scholar The special geographical location combined with the long-standing HIV epidemic has made this region a hotspot for HIV recombination. To date, more than 17 CRFs have been first reported in Yunnan. In this study, we identified a novel CRF in Yunnan. Based on the phylogenetic, recombination breakpoint and evolutionary analyses, this CRF was characterized as consisting of CRF01_AE and CRF85_BC, and designated as CRF134_0185.