Community Perceptions Regarding use of HIV Molecular Epidemiology for Public Health in Victoria, Australia: Qualitative Findings

Abstract

Molecular epidemiology (ME) is a field that integrates molecular biology techniques with traditional epidemiological methods to study the distribution, determinants, and dynamics of disease. In the context of HIV, ME involves analysing genetic sequences of the virus to understand patterns of transmission, evolution, and the relationships between social, behavioural, and biological factors that influence transmission. This holds great promise in the global effort to further reduce HIV transmission, although its use raises significant ethical issues. ME is not currently used in Australia’s public health response to HIV, although experiences from other countries emphasize the importance of comm..