Acquisitions Management Operations Branch, NIAID, 6700-B Rockledge Drive, Room 1130, Bethesda, MD 20892-7605

Q -- MEDICAL SERVICES SOL NOI-0006 DUE 012500 POC Sophia Janus, Purchasing Agent (301) 496-2814/Carolyn Sentz, Contracting Officer (301) 402-2282 17. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases intends to negotiate a sole source simplified acquisition with the Johns Hopkins University. The Johns Hopkins University is the only U.S. university with a current project to study HIV-1 infection in individuals in Guangxi Province, China. Because the University has an existing relationship with the Chinese government to study HIV including identification of a patient population and has the demonstrated expertise to study the interrelationship between STDs and HIV in China using the Johns Hopkins University would allow investigators to begin their work more rapidly because of existing relationships between China and Johns Hopkins. The aims of the study are: 1. To determine the prevalence and incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV-1 infection and to identify risk factors for HIV-1 infection in non-drug using high-risk populations in STD clinics and sex workers in Yunnan Province and Guangxi Province, China. 2. To document the prevalence and distribution of different subtypes of HIV-1 and potential co-infection with different subtypes of HIV-1 in seropositive non-drug using high-risk individuals. 3. To determine the subtypes of hiv-1 in seroconvertors and to compare the transmission patterns of different subtypes of HIV-1. Evidence of super-infection with different subtypes of HIV-1 in seropositive individuals will also be collected during follow-up studies. 4. Serodiscordant couples will be identified, counseled with provision of condoms, and followed prospectively to determine biological and behavioral factors that affect transmission. Rationale: For the past several years there has been a marked increase in STDs and HIV in many provinces throughout China, but particularly in the southern provinces. Extensive serologic surveys have revealed rising rates of HIV-1 infection among intravenous drug users ( IDUs) in these provinces, but very little data are available regarding the spread of HIV among heterosexuaals, particularly high-risk commercial sex workers, sex partners of IDUs, or attendees to STD clinics. In addition, three different subtypes and recombinants of HIV-1 have been documented among IDUs in China, but the impact of these subtypes on sexual transmission remains unknown. Three subtypes of HIV-1 (B, C, and E) have been detected in Yunnan province in China. The initial HIV-1 epidemic in border city Ruili, Yunnan originated with subtype B HIV-1. Subsequently, seven of 11 HIV-1 strains obtained from IDUs in Yunnan province were found to be subtype C. The subtype B HIV-1 is presumably introduced into Yunnan from Burma, whereas the subtype C is apparently transmitted from India. Although subtype E HIV-1 has been detected in women who had returned from commercial sex work in Thailand, this subtype has not been associated with HIV-1 transmission among IDUs in China. The purpose of this study is to characterize the emerging HIV-1 heterosexual epidemic from molecular epidemiologic perspective on two provinces with high rates ofHIV among IDUs, Guangxi and Yunnan provinces of southern China. HIV-1 seroprevalence and seroincidence will be determined among these high-risk populations in four cities in Yunnan province (Kunming, Dali, Lungchuan, and Ruili); and in Guangxi province (Baise, Nanning, Beihai and Pingxiang). NIAID will incorporate these studies on heterosexual transmission with already established studies of HIV among IDUs in the above cities, utilizing the already established infrastructure and building upon scientific collaboration already established. This study will allow NIAID to utilize the unique opportunity to study the emerging two epidemics of STDs and HIV-1 infection in a non-drug using populations in which multiple subtypes of HIV-1 are circulating. Understanding the mechanism by which HIV-1 infection has been rapidly increasing in these populations in certain areas of China, such as Guangxi and Yunnan provinces, will provide critical information regarding the design of effective intervention strategies and vaccine development. Because of the patient audience and location of the study, the NIAID/NIH intends to negotiate this acquisition as a sole source. It is currently pending all clearances as regulated by DHHS. Closing Date for submission of written responses in forty-five (45) days after the date of this notice. See Numbered Note 22!! Posted 12/06/99 (W-SN405989). (0340)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0054 19991208\Q-0005.SOL)