While HIV is declining globally, the Philippines stands in stark contrast, experiencing a 411% increase in daily incidence between 2012 and 2023, as reported to the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines. Now recognized as the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the Western Pacific region, the country is facing a mounting public health challenge with limited data on the virus’ regional molecular epidemiology.
MHRP, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other partners, is conducting a study to characterize HIV-1 viruses that are currently circulating in the Philippines. Researchers analyzed recent samples (2022-2024) from 22 people living with HIV in the Philippines, revealing findings that could inform both prevention and treatment strategies in the region.
The majority of samples had virus of the CRF01_AE HIV subtype, which is commonly found in Southeast Asia. Full genome sequencing showed that these sequences formed a distinct clade among known CRF01_AE sequences, suggesting a single introduction and localized transmission. One participant was found to have a subtype B virus, which is most common in the U.S. and Europe.
Additionally, researchers identified drug mutation resistance in nine of the 22 participants. The deep sequencing technique was able to identify some rare drug resistance mutations and low-level drug resistance in an additional four participants. This insight into a growing epidemic in the INDOPACOM region is increasingly valuable for the U.S. and partner militaries given its strategic geographical location.
This analysis is part of a broader military-to-military HIV prevention, care and treatment initiative supported by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This collaboration includes MHRP, the AFP, WRAIR-AFRIMS, and the Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP).
The sequencing and sequence analysis were conducted by Kathleen Monahan, Bryce Weigartz, Elizabeth Comeau, Matthew Lind, Meera Bose, Eric Sanders-Buell, Phuc Pham, Yifan Li, Morgan Geniviva, and Morgane Rolland.