Rapid CD4+ T-cell decline is associated with coreceptor switch among MSM primarily infected with HIV-1 CRF01_AE in Northeast China

Abstract

Primary HIV-1 CRF01_AE infection among MSM in Northeast China is characterized by R5 viral infection and early R5 to X4/DM coreceptor switch, which is associated with rapid CD4 T-cell decline. The findings highlight the importance of immediate treatment among the CRF01_AE-infected MSM.