Identifying the unknown: Application of molecular epidemiology tools to identify clustering and HIV transmission routes in Poland.

Background: Understanding the dynamics of HIV-1 transmission is essential for developing effective screening and intervention strategies. Viral genetic sequences provide valuable information that can be used to infer the history and patterns of viral transmission.

Purpose: Our study explores the structure and dynamics of HIV transmissions in Poland from 1999 to 2022 to elucidate key patterns related with national epidemics.

Frequency of Major Transmitted Integrase Resistance in Poland Remains Low Despite Change in Subtype Variability.

With the widespread use of integrase inhibitors and the expanding use of long-acting cabotegravir in both pre-exposure prophylaxis and antiretroviral treatment, molecular surveillance on the transmission of integrase resistance has regained clinical significance. This study aimed to determine the frequency of INSTI-transmitted drug resistance mutations (DRMs) among treatment-naïve individuals in Poland from 2016 to 2023. INSTI resistance was analyzed in 882 antiretroviral treatment-naïve individuals using Sanger sequencing.

Polymorphisms in the genes encoding RLR and TLR3 and CMV DNAemia in subjects coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus and cytomegalovirus.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a pathogen that is common worldwide and is often present in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are host sensors that activate the immune response against infectious agents. However, it is unclear whether PRR single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with the occurrence of CMV DNAemia in subjects coinfected with HIV and CMV.

Has COVID-19 Changed the Incidence and Profile of Late Presenters for HIV Infection in Lodz, Polish Reference Centre, Poland?

: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and characteristics of HIV late presenters (LPs) and advanced LPs (aLPs) registered in the Lodz HIV centre during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021) with those of the pre-pandemic period (2017-2019). : A retrospective analysis was performed of the predictive factors associated with HIV LPs and aLPs based on multivariable logistic regression. The patient entry into specialist HIV care after diagnosis during the pandemic was analysed.

Phylodynamic evolution of HIV-1 A6 sub-subtype epidemics in Poland.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) A6 sub-subtype is highly prevalent in Eastern Europe. Over the past decade, the dissemination of the A6 lineage has been expanding in Poland. The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine may further escalate the spread of this sub-subtype.