Genetic Diversity of HIV-1 and Transfusion Safety : Systematic Review and Concepts Analysis

Background: The genetic diversity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a real problem facing blood banks. This genetic diversity has a negative impact on diagnostic strategies within the transfusion chain by weakening the security of the donation. The objective of this study is to clarify the concepts emanating from the research project entitled : «Genetic diversity of HIV-1 and its effect on the residual risk in blood transfusion in Gabon».

Methods: This study was the result of a systematic review and a conceptual analysis of several studies that were systematically searched for in databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline), and whose object was focused on the genetic diversity of HIV -1 and its impact on transfusion safety. Indeed, the information relating to the concepts coming from the full articles was used. These were obtained by reading the most relevant articles. All relevant studies reporting data on HIV-1 genetic diversity and blood safety published in English between January 2012 and December 2020 have been identified for context. The method of conceptual analysis of « Walker and Avant (2005) » was used to clarify the different concepts of our study. The correlation test was used to show the relationship between the concepts.

Results: This systematic review and conceptual analysis study made it possible to determine the variables and to clarify the different concepts (HIV-1, Genetic diversity, Blood transfusion, Residual risk) essential for carrying out our research project entitled: "Genetic diversity of HIV-1 and its effect on the residual risk in blood transfusion". This model made it possible to show the effect of the genetic diversity of HIV-1 on the residual risk in blood transfusion using as model variables : viral load and serological markers (Antibodies and P24 Antigen). Knowledge of molecular strains (URF, CRF, subtypes) during this study made it possible to better identify the molecular strains most involved in the residual risk. Despite its complexity, this conceptual analysis contributed enormously to the understanding of the activities and the quantifiable and non-quantifiable components that participated in our study. Statistical analysis showed that the HIV-1 concept was significantly related to the other three concepts with P = 0.001. Likewise for the concept of genetic diversity was also significantly linked to the two other concepts with P = 0.003.

Conclusion: The genetic diversity of HIV-1 in the blood transfusion environment contributes significantly to the transmission of HIV from donor to recipient. The mastery of these molecular strains is essential for the various blood banks to ensure a safe blood supply.