Analysis of HIV-1 genetic variants and drug resistance among men with high-risk sexual behavior, Cuban citizens, living in Moscow in 2022–2024

Introduction. The characteristics of the HIV epidemic in Cuba are comparable to those of the HIV epidemic in Russia. Migration between Cuba and Russia can affect HIV-1 genetic diversity and drug resistance in Russia. The vulnerable group of men with risk sexual behavior including men who have sex with men (MSM) and commercial sex workers (CSW) deserves special attention. The aim of our study was the analysis of HIV-1 genetic variants and HIV-1 drug resistance in blood plasma samples obtained from MSM migrants from Cuba living in Moscow. Materials and methods. A collection of blood plasma samples, epidemiological and clinical information was collected from MSM patients — migrants from Cuba, nucleotide sequences of the HIV-1 genome were obtained. HIV-1 genotyping, cluster analysis and analysis of drug resistance (DR) were carried out. Results. Samples and epidemiological data obtained in 2022–2024 from 27 patients were analyzed. 24/27 patients (including 12/15 suspected of infection in Moscow and all 10 — in Cuba) harbored HIV-1 variants typical for Cuba, not Russia. This indicates that 88.89% of patients were infected by their fellow citizen. DR was detected in 9 patients (33.33%; 95% CI 15.55–51.11). The most common resistance was DR to efavirenz (EFV) and nevirapine (NVP), which was associated with K103N, Y181C and P225H mutations. Conclusion. The migration factor should be taken into account in HIV-1 prevention and control of HIV-spreading programs in Russia, and the genetic characteristics of HIV-1 in migrants should be taken into account in effective therapy selecting. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.