Genetic Characterization of a Novel HIV-1 Second-Generation Recombinant Form Originating from CRF86_BC and a Unique Recombinant Form in Yunnan, China

Yunnan is the first place where human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) became prevalent in China, and it is also the place with the most complicated HIV-1 genetic diversity in China. On October 23, 2019, a patient newly diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome from a hospital in Baoshan, Yunnan, was recruited for genetic analysis. Near full-length genome of HIV-1 was amplified from the plasma sample. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this sequence (BS6F24) has a close relationship with CRF86_BC and a unique recombinant form (URF) (KY406739), which was formed by recombination of subtypes B and C. Bootscan analysis confirmed that the first part (HXB2:1022-5832) and last part (HXB2:5833-9120) genomes of BS6F24 had the same recombinant structures as KY406739 and CRF86_BC, respectively. A second-generation recombinant form that originated from CRF86_BC and a URF were reported for the first time. This indicates the need for continuous monitoring of the genetic diversity of HIV-1 in Yunnan, China.