| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Human <it>APOBEC3G</it> is a host defense factor that potently inhibits HIV replication. We hypothesize that HIV-infected children with a genetic variant of <it>APOBEC3G</it> will have a more rapid disease progression.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve children, aged 1–12 years old with CD4 15-24% and without severe HIV-related symptoms were enrolled. The children had CD4% and absolute CD4 counts every 12 weeks and HIV-RNA every 24 weeks until 144 weeks. ART was started when CD4% declined to < 15% or AIDS-related events developed.</p> <p><it>APOBEC3G</it> genetic variants were performed by PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Random-effect linear regression analysis was performed to correlate APOBEC3G genotypes and disease progression.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>147 children, 35% male, with a median (IQR) age of 6.5 (4.3-8.8) years were enrolled. CDC N:A:B were 1:63:36%. Median baseline values were 20% for CD4% 605 cells/mm<sup>3</sup> for CD4 count and 4.7 log<sub>10</sub>copies/mL for HIV-RNA.</p> <p>The frequencies of <it>APOBEC3G</it> genotypes AA (186H/H), AG (186H/R), GG (186R/R) were 86%, 12%, and 2% respectively. The <it>APOBEC3G</it> genotype GG was associated with a significant decline in CD4% -5.1% (−8.9 to −1.2%), p<0.001, and CD4 counts −226 (−415 to −34) cells/mm<sup>3</sup>, p<0.001 by random-effect liner regression analysis. No significant associations of <it>APOBEC3G</it> genotypes with HIV-RNA changes overtime (p=0.16) or progression to CDC B and C (p=0.49) were observed.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p><it>APOBEC3G</it> genotype GG was significantly associated with a more rapid decline in CD4. <it>APOBEC3G</it>’s antiviral effects on HIV disease progression in children should be further explored.</p>
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