Dynamics of clustering rates in the Rhode Island HIV-1 epidemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Characterizing HIV clustering rates and their trends over time can improve understanding a local epidemic and enhance its control.

Methods

Leveraging an academic-public health partnership in Rhode Island, we explored longitudinal dynamics of statewide clustering rates among key populations from 1991 to 2023. Partial HIV-1 pol sequences were grouped by year of HIV-1 diagnosis. Molecular clusters were identified in cumulative annual phylogenies. Overall clustering rates, and clustering rates of newly diagnosed and prevalent infections, and of specific sociodemographic characteristics of key populations over time were determined. Mann-Kendall statistics were used to estimate clustering rate trends and relationships among groups.

Results

By the end of 2023, 263

SUBMITTER: Novitsky V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11717628 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature