Possible HIV transmission modes among at‐risk groups at an early epidemic stage in the Philippines

摘要: A concentrated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic might have started in the Philippines. subsequent characterization of viruses was carried out to estimate HIV transmission modes. Most strains from injecting drug users belonged subtype-B. CRF-01 a major subtype harbored by three other at-risk populations: male visa applicants who had sex with men, “men men,” and applicants. An phylogeny suggested that two strain groups others circulated separately. In contrast, there substantial genetic overlap between men” Mean nucleotide distance within shorter among subtype-B (0.010) than men (0.034), (0.023), (0.032). Closely related hepatitis C were derived not only HIV-positive but also -negative individuals. These results suggest is potential for once occurs users, it spreads rapidly them. Close contacts carriers composed HIV-negative -positive individuals indicated ongoing spread via blood possible intervention points. Large-scale analysis needed provide more precise information on directions help curb growth this J. Med. Virol. 85:2057–2064, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.